Tax Trainee Review

In my role I look after a portfolio of clients and assist them with there tax affairs. Internally I will interact with other members of my team, and sometimes other members of LTG. It is important to communicate with other team members to ensure that client is being well looked after, and needs are being met.Externally I interact with third parties and clients as necessary. My responsibilities are ensuring that client files are kept up to date, and admin tasks are undertaken. I also complete the tax returns for the clients.

I developed many skills both on the job and also via external courses. I have been on my first course for my ATT studies and have therefore gained a wealth of knowledge regarding personal tax. I have also gained skills through the business assignments set by my course provider.

I enjoy working in my team a lot, everyone is very helpful and willing to answer my questions. As a company, BDO have a very good culture, and everybody is really friendly which makes working a lot more enjoyable. when joining BDO I didn't really know what to expect, however in terms of studies, I expected more focus on the ATT qualification and less focus on the 'assingments'

During my appraisals and catch ups with my counselling manager he ensures I am gaining feedback.

I had a lot of training when joining BDO and have teamed up with a mentor to ensure that I am developing good skills relating to clients and networking as these areas are slightly less 'taught'

My learning provided is very good at the taught courses where the tutors are excellent, however the 'assessors' in relation to the assignments are not always easy to contact and assignments often have long turn around periods, which isn't fair when you've struggled to find the time to complete the assignment by the deadline. I also feel like my assessor isn't particularly understanding of the tax route, and therefore doesn't realise how busy certain periods are for me.

I receive quite a lot of support, I have a counselling manager and mentor as well as many other members of the team who offer me help on a regular basis.

Very poorly, as this school leaver programme is only offered in London (as with most companies) travelling in uses over a third of my salary without any support from any body. I still live at home with my parents, however saving to move out when so much money is used just on my commute is very difficult.

Yes, we have an 'away day' every yeat. Last year it was a centre parcs Woburn. We also have Christmas parties and other events put on to help us network. We are given 10 days a year of community volunteering and many clubs and sports are promoted through BDO

Yes

BDO is a good company to work for, and starting out the training programme is very well regarded by other firms. BDO offers a good starting point for a career in tax where there is a good structure already set up.

During the interview I would just be yourself, the people interviewing you are the ones you will work with so its important you can get to know a bit about eachother. The assessment day is terrifying, but just look online for hints and tips, arrive smartly dressed and in good time.