Semi-Senior Review

I am a Higher apprentice and my daily tasks mainly involve collating and preparing information to provide our clients tax returns. I prepare individuals, trust and partnership tax returns. When clients come in I sometimes go to the meetings and get to meet and discuss their affairs- this is my favourite part.

As part of my higher apprentice scheme I am attending college in order to gain my ATT and CTA qualifications. I have also gained a BTEC in IT and business communications. We regularly get sent on courses that are relevant to improving. the courses that I have been on are report writing, business skill, advance excel spread sheet and more.

The work is generally fine. It is very intense during our busy season (Nov- Jan). The general work is preparing tax returns. the more interesting work is the advisory and meeting clients. The team I work in are very nice and accommodating. The company has an excellent culture and fully met my expectations.

My Manager is great and she appreciates all the work I do for her. She is very approachable and I am free to tell her anything. The internal recognition is done by feedback forms for every piece of we do. the manager on that client writes what you did well and what you could improve on. We also get feedback via our ADRs which is a 6 monthly process where all feedback is looked at.

The induction into my programme began by having two days of training with the other new starters. this was great as I felt confident when I began working that I at least knew some things. The support is constantly there if required. the studying for exams is hard but then they are professional exams that are being trained for so they are never going to be easy. the buddy system works great. The programme is well organised.

We are trained for our exams externally with Kaplan. There we receive class lessons and revision phase. the tutors are also contactable through email. they respond pretty quickly and are always willing to help. The college days are very relaxed with long breaks for lunch and an earlier finishing time than work.

My manager is very approachable and if I am struggling with exams or worried about them she is always there to help and either answer my questions or help me with exam questions.. the whole office attitude is towards helping students and if that means making workload lighter during exam season then managers will do this.

My living costs are very high what with being in London. I live fairly central and so I cycle to work to save money and the morning rush on the tubes. My daily costs are vey low as I bring my own lunch to work. I spend quite a lot on socialising such as drinks and dinner with friends. I also spend quite a lot on sport as I do yoga regularly and I am part of a synchronized swimming club. At the end of the month I don't have very much leftover.

There are a few company events during the year to get involved in. there is an annual netball match between departments. There is also the opportunity to get involved in the corporate challenge 5k run which takes place in Battersea Park in June. There are no regular company activities to get involved that I am aware of. Or community classes that the company promotes. there are obviously lots of private activities and classes as the company is based in London.

Yes

The company values and core culture is aimed at keeping everyone happy. This means you feel welcomed and can talk to everyone easily. The company and other staff members support you throughout your development and are always willing to help with exams. Smith and Williamson also help personal development through running workshops.

I would advise firstly to read the descriptions and know and understand exactly what you are applying for. The application process is an online application including numerical and verbal reasoning tests. Then once you are brought in for the interview you re-do the tests and are put very much at ease for the interview. when I arrived I was given a buddy who I was to ask all of my questions to she was very helpful and made the arrival process comforting and relaxed.