Accounting Associate (Apprentice) Review

I am an accounting associate and our team works with different clients to offer different accounting services from bookkeeping to statutory accounts to VAT services. With the support where needed from my team, I have an allocation of clients whom I do regular work for be that monthly or quarterly. The clients send us the needed info then we carry out the work using different accounting software.

I have improved many of my soft skills. My communication has greatly improved as a result of constantly speaking to new people be that through face to face interaction or emails. My organisational skills have improved as a result of having different responsibilities and a large amount of information given to me.

I would say I enjoy my programme to a good extent. Whilst it took time to adjust and get used to the change in lifestyle, I now quite enjoy it. The people I work with are all great so that makes it much easier. The work is relatively interesting although as with anything there are some parts which may be less enjoyable than others

The programme is relatively well organised. the onboarding process when I first joined was well structured and allowed me to join smoothly.

I receive a lot of support from those around me. This is mainly from the other trainees on my team who have been in a similar situation to me. Whilst there is not a humongous amount of support from the more senior members, support is always there whenever needed. Sitting along side my team it also makes it a lot easier to ask questions.

My training provider has support available when necessary although I haven't reached out to make the most of it. The college resources are well informative and allow you to feel confident with the knowledge. The tutors themselves during the lessons so far have all been pleasant and helpful when needed.

Some of the knowledge acquired through my qualification allow me to understand some of the work im doing better. I know this was most apparent when i first joined as i had little to no knowledge so the first course allowed me to feel more comfortable at work. Some of the courses however i have found don't directly correlate to my role

There are a range of networks that you can join which hold events regulary. There are team,department and firmwide social events which are a great chance to get to know other people. There are sports events organised between employees such as 5-aside football. My firm also offers volunteering days where instead of working you can go to volunteer externally.

Yes

Overall Buzzacott is a very good apprentership provider. The fact that a large part of the firm are either trainees or have been trainees makes working there much easier as you have support and people all around you.

I would say practice interview questions and become comfortable in an interview setting as the in person interviews can be daunting but if you practice it will make it much easier to stay calm and compossed.