Tax Trainee Review

I work in Private Client Tax and I am responsible for preparing clients tax returns, keeping up to date with admin for clients, assisting managers with clients tax affairs.

I have developed my communication skills greatly and have learnt a lot of new IT skills. I have also learnt skills in using new software like Digita and I am developing my skills and tax knowledge through going to college.

I enjoy my programme a lot. I really like the team that I work with and everyone is very friendly. I feel like part of the team and not just an apprentice or like I am below everyone else.

I feel very valued by Smith & Williamson. I am constantly being provided with feedback and praise on my work. I am always involved as much as I can be with client work and managers are keen to help me to understand new concepts.

I received induction training which I found very helpful in relation to the apprenticeship programme. I also received internal compliance training in relation to private client tax which I found helpful. I find that college is very well structured and senior members of staff take an active role in ensuring that you are doing as well as you can be with your studying.

I do not receive that much support from my training provided when I am not there but I do know that the support is there if I did need it. Whilst I am in college they are very helpful and will answer any question that I have.

I receive a lot of support from my manager. I feel very comfortable going to her and asking for support with issues both inside and outside of work. She likes to make sure that I always feel comfortable. I do not have much experience with the HR team yet but I know how to access them if I need to.

I find that my salary does meet my costs and I am able to pay for my travel costs comfortably as Smith & Williamson provide me with a season ticket loan. However, I am not sure that the salary is competitive with other London salaries and I would not be able to afford to move out on my current salary as it would not cover my living costs especially considering that I work in London.

Yes there are lots of social opportunities outside of work. We are always being invited to work drinks after work and there is the annual Christmas party. I am also aware that they throw a summer party in my department where the department also take place in a team building activity.

Yes

Everybody in the company that I have come across is very friendly and I think that the whole company has an overall culture of wanting to support each other. I have settled in very well in this company considering the jump from sixth form to full time work.

If you get through to the interview stage try to adapt your interview questions to show how you would be good at the particular job role that you are applying for. Also do a lot of background research about the company and show you have knowledge of Nexia, other offices etc. I would also suggest to take every opportunity that is presented to you and try to stand out at the assessment day as someone who is friendly and wants to communicate with people.