ACA Trainee Review

My role within the firm is in the business services department. I prepare the year end accounts for SME businesses. This may involve group or single accounts. I am also involved in the preparation of partnership and sole trader accounts. Attached to this may also be the self-assessment tax returns as required. Other Adhoc activities may be required, such as tax planning advice, set up of new clients and professional clearance of lost clients. I am also expected to keep developing through internal training and study towards the ACA qualification.

I have learnt a great deal of new skills. Such as accounts preparation and the software that is needed to prepare statutory accounts. I have learnt about the different VAT schemes that can be used by companys/indivduals. I have learnt about he rules and elections for self-assessment. I have learnt how to tailor my communications according to the audience, and effective styles of communication. I have developed both my team working abilities and my time management and priorities.

I enjoy the programme as it has allowed me to build new knowledge and where to apply this. I have been able to improve my confidence and work efficiency through the opportunities for new experiences with regards to the different situations that can arise when preparing jobs. I have found that the apprenticeship programme supports the development of these different skill areas.

The programme itself appears to be well structured. A calendar is prepared at the start to lay out the different skills days and the structure expected from the development tasks, and the different criteria that need to be satisfied during my learning journey. I have found that the communication from the coach can be very sporadic, often times I will complete tasks, send e-mails and do not hear back for a while which I do find frustrating.

My employer is incredibly supportive, both in providing study opportunities and support for my work/life balance whilst on study for the ACA exams. My line manager and training manager both enquire on a regular basis as to how my study/apprenticeship are going. They also offer support if I need anything for ideas, and check on my personal well being in regards to my experience.

I receive lots of support from my training provider when studying towards my ACA qualification. The tutors are very supportive with their availability outside of the classroom to send queries by email, or by phone; their response time is brilliant. The resources available whilst studying each exam have been substantial, and suit different types of study styles.

I have had many experiences in which I have been able to use and build on the knowledge learnt on the training courses within my work role. It helps to enhance my understanding of accounting policies and procedures, often times if I approach the same task after studying a subject I have found that it is much easier to understand as I have a greater understanding of the area.

There are extra-curricular activities at work, I have been able to attend a few (study/holiday allowing). There are usually multiple activities being organised by the different departments that are open to all the firm. the firm itself tries to organise one firm wide activity a year, and one trainee event a year. I find the activities organised are varied and allow a chance to interact with those outside of your department in an informal manner, which can be easier than within the professional environment.

Yes

I have found Albert Goodman very welcoming and supportive from the moment I started. Senior staff make the effort to introduce themselves, and offer support when they can. I also found that the workplace is structured to help support the development of trainees, with opportunities to apply knowledge they have gained through study with more complex jobs as they are developing. The tuition provider they use matches the supportive culture of the firm and I have not felt overwhelmed by work/study balance as they ensure that there is time available for exam study too.

Ensure that you are open to new experiences and are passionate about learning and applying that knowledge. Be passionate about your job and own personal development as the job of work and study alongside can be daunting but striking the right balance and a positive attitude will go a long way to seeing you succeed. Take advantage of the supportive culture that exists and the knowledge of those around you who are always happy to help. Embrace all the opportunities that you can to help you progress, socialise with other departments. Never be afraid to ask questions, there is always someone with knowledge to impart.