Tax Consultant Review

Tax consultant trainee - preparing tax returns for private clients - personal, trust and partnerships, advising clients of their tax liabilities and when these need to be paid. Preparing P11Ds and advising companies of the class 1A national insurance due. Dealing with other tax based queries from clients, such as HMRC tax calculations and pension planning

Learnt how to prepare tax returns and P11Ds Developed my English skills by writing to letters and emails to clients Developed my communication skills, in meetings and by taking phone calls from clients Improved my time management skills by working to various deadlines within the year, such as the end of January tax return submission deadline.

I have enjoyed my programme so far. I enjoy the taught courses I go on and found the revision courses before the exams very useful. I am enjoying learning on the job as you get the opportunity to see the real world implications of what you have been taught. I am not finding the apprenticeship side of things quite as enjoyable as the portfolio is another thing to think about and the criteria you have to meet when completing development tasks is not always very clear.

To start with I felt the programme was not particularly well organised. I didn't feel like things were explained very clearly and it wasn't obvious what was expected from me regarding the apprenticeship and online portfolio. I understand that at the time the online system was still quite new. Now the structure is a lot clearer and I understand what is expected of me. Regarding the professional qualification, I feel this has always been very well structured and the online learning platform shows everything clearly, such as due dates for assessments and when my courses are.

I receive a lot of support regarding my job-based learning and skills, and am given time to during working hours to complete my online portfolio. However, I have not received as much help when it comes to creating new learning opportunities for my portfolio, possibly because it has not always been clear what is expected.

I receive as much support as needed. When asking questions during my taught courses these have always been answered clearly and kindly. I currently have not had to rely too much on my training provider but they have made it clear they are available and provided ways to get in touch ie email addresses

It has helped me to recognise the skills I am developing and record the new things I have learnt. Learning on the job has helped me to put into practice what I've been taught on my courses. It has helped me to gain a better understanding of how tax returns work, rather than just plugging numbers into software

We have relatively regular social get togethers which I have helped to organise at times. We tend to go for a welcome meal whenever there is a new starter which is a nice way for them to meet everyone. There is the option to partake in the mixed hockey team and we get regular emails regarding upcoming networking events

Yes

There is a very friendly work atmosphere and you feel you can ask anyone question. There is a strong focus on having a healthy work-life balance, with options to buy more holiday. There are opportunities to progress within the firm, with a strong focus on promoting within rather than brining in new people to take on the higher level roles.

Ensure you have a concise and up-to-date CV. When interviewing ensure you show your personality as it is important that you fit in with the team as much as you are qualified for the role. Be prepared to work hard as studying and working at the same time is not easy, but is definitely worthwhile.