Trainee Chartered Accountant Review

by Evelyn Partners

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Job title is Trainee Chartered Accountant. Lots of variation on what I do daily from preparing VAT returns to preparing full company accounts. Interact with lots of different people within the office and between different departments.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Learnt masses in first 7 months. Everything is new at the beginning so steep learning curve but supported well by management in taking time to train you. 60% through my first qualification and college is really interesting and learn a lot.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The work is hard but part of a good team with lots of friendly people. Company has a really good culture and lots of social activities within the office. Much better than my expectations of a dull office life.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Evelyn Partners?

Management don't always take time to compliment work done where possible and I don't think hard work is always recognised. Appraisal system shows interest in developing every member of staff but not much recognition beyond this. However, when complimented on work it is worth more and can feel proud about it as it is not always a given.

5/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well organised. A weeks induction laid out exactly what I'd be doing and well supported in everything I could ask for the first few months particularly. No mentor system but feel able to speak to any other member of the team and ask for help.

10/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Meet/ring tutor every 4 weeks to make sure I know what I should be doing and I'm on track. Able to ask any questions when at college. Had no issues when asking for support.

9/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Never needed support from HR and no mentor but management are really good at taking time to explain things clearly. There is normally a good attitude to making time to help or scheduling another time where it's more convenient for the manager

8/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

Many apprentices stay at home so the salary is sufficient. As I moved to Bristol for the apprenticeship I am often tight on money and am usually struggling by the end of the month. Bristol is becoming more and more expensive to live in and I think the salary should be higher to reflect this. However for a school leaver, it's not too bad.

4/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Lots of opportunity for sport/socialising outside work. Bristol is a really good city for finding things to do so managed to get involved in lots of things. Company put on social events every few months.

8/10

9. Would you recommend Evelyn Partners to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Really good work environment. From what I've been told it's a much better culture than other similar sized firms and I've felt supported at every stage of my scheme so far.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Evelyn Partners?

Take time to consider everything in the application process and prepare to be asked on what you write in your application. Be yourself in interviews and show you're a confident person who'll socialise and fit into the team both for work and in social events. I would have liked to have been told not to worry about the interviews so much and be calmer when giving the presentation.