Tax Assistant Review

My main responsibility for the year is to prepare tax returns for clients. I build relationships within the company and with the clients via email and telephone calls. All of the necessary admin associated with preparing the tax returns are also important to complete. I also help deal with billing and preparing spreadsheets detailing the work undertaken and the margins that are met.

I have developed my communication skills as speaking to clients is an important part of my role. I have greatly developed my technical skills in tax having gone on various courses to increase my knowledge so that I can correctly inform clients. Another skill that I have developed is my computer skills as everything is now done on a computer, we are a paperless office.

I haven't really done anything to do with the apprenticeship yet but the team that I work with are amazing and make me enjoy the job that little bit more. My expectations were mostly met, however there are definitely aspects of any job that you aren't expecting, for example, I don't have a steady flow of work throughout the year.

I think as an apprenticeship, the programme isn't particularly well organised or structured. The company as a whole have good support and career progression system but this is for anyone in the company and is not specialised for the apprenticeship. I am still at this point unsure of certain goals and exam dates etc.

Every employee receives a fair amount of support from the company. My manager is personally very good and supports me well. The mentoring type system that we have in place is also very useful when a problem arises that you would like to discuss with someone outside your work team.

I have not attended any courses from the training provider yet so it is very difficult to answer this question. I have a course approaching soon in which I am hoping more will become clear in terms of the training provider and support that is available directly from their company.

This is also difficult to answer because, as stated above, I haven't completed any parts of the qualification yet. The first course that I am undertaking is not particularly relevant to my role however I am going on to complete the AAT qualification which will be directly relatable to my job.

I work in a very small office due to the location therefore it is difficult to organise events as there is a small amount of people to choose from. That being said, there is always table tennis that gets played every month which is a good way to team build and get a little bit competitive.

Yes

Their flexible working arrangements are a huge positive for the company, being able to work from home is very nice. The mentoring system in place is also very positive and provides a support system if ever anything regarding your career needs discussing. I also feel that it's good to work for a big 4 company.

Be honest with yourself because you need to enjoy the job that you are applying for otherwise you won't do well even if you are given the role. The assessment day isn't as scary as it sounds and I actually had a lot of fun on that day meeting other people in the same position - everyone is a bit nervous, just try to be as prepared as possible!