Tax Assistant Apprentice Review

I work in a personal tax department and help prepare technical pieces of work for clients who engage with KPMG. Examples of pieces of work i have completed include Trust tax returns, Private Equity Project work, Stratatory Residency Test for individuals who have spent time outside the country and unsure where their tax residency lie.

I have developed my time management skills, along with taking responsibility for the progress of pieces of work and the technical understanding required when completing personal tax work. My accounting knowledge has improved massively and the understanding how this is translated to the real world has improved. My knowledge of mental health has also improved during my time at KPMG which supporting learning and specialised courses.

I enjoy my apprenticeship a lot. I am in a very supportive team and surrounded by individuals that push you to reach new potentials. The work is at a challenging level but given to you at appropriate times when they believe you have the knowledge and understanding to complete it.

There are aspects to every company that need streamlining/ altering to improve but i believe the overall company is very well organised. The programme could be more streamlined to allow a quicker method of support when required. Sometimes there are more red tape than i believe should be required for the simplier issues/questions.

I always receive a lot of support by all my colleagues ranging from all areas of the business and the business heirarchy from lower "E" grades to more experienced partners and directors. All members of staff are always approachable for a chat/work discussion whether to provide hands on work support of general work life support and advice.

I believe i could receive a greater element of support by my training provider. I believe the college and initial study they provide is great and the lecturers are very knowledgable and often engaging. The gap between the exams and the study is where i believe the training provider could improve.

I feel a lot of my training and aspects that have improved my ability in my role has been from the people and work i complete on a daily basis opposed to my training provider. However the content is very good for your role and provides you with a foundation to your work.

There are a range of different extra-curricular activities to get involved in. Personally I joined the KPMG Bristol football team as that is one of my hobbies but there is other sport teams such as the running group and non sporting team such as the LGBT-Q committee and the events committee.

Yes

No two days are ever the same. You are given responsibility i do not believe you would receive elsewhere as a Junior member of staff. The people are very supportive in terms of work and general work life. The work is interesting and can be challenging so often very engaging.

Research into the range of different elements to the KPMG business. There is Tax, Audit, Consulting and then subsections within each position. There is so many different teams and different work streams having a general understanding about each team can help you understand what departments you would like to experience.