Tax Assistant Review

I prepare tax returns for our clients by gathering and anlysing their financial information and using programmes such as CCH, Excel and perm cats. I also speak with HMRC on the phone, draft letters to clients and carry out other admin tasks. These involve deleting clients and refreshing our engagement agreements.

I have developed my ability to use excel spreadsheets and navigate my way around CCH the programme we use to help us prepare tax returns. I have gained confidence in drafting letters to clients in an professional manner. By working from home a lot I have developed my ability to communicate online.

I enjoy aspects of the programme. The bookkeeping course that I have done is very interesting. I wish there were more specific deadlines for the Skills & Behaviour statements we must complete for BPP. I feel it could be more clear on what course we will need to book and when.

I was not automatically enrolled to my first course with BPP, so I had to try to organise this myself. I don't think the deadlines provided for certain things are very clear, for example our 'competency review' which I was unsure of when this was due. there isn't a lot of guidance provided on booking exams.

My employer is supportive of any time I ask to take for my studies (in the 20% off the job training allowance). When I am unsure of certain processes BPP have in place the apprenticeship lead organises calls with year 2&3 apprentices so they can explain things to us.

When I have asked the teachers on the courses ran by the BPP questions they have answered them clearly and in full. I feel that BPP could provide more support in exam booking, by providing clearer deadlines and dates for important calls (for example for the first progress review call).

My ATT qualification will help me massively in my role and it will enable me to understand why we prepare tax returns the way that we do. With a better understanding of tax I should be able to produce work of a better quality. I will also be more knowledgeable and can be involved in technical conversations that I currently don't understand.

Yes, we are encouraged to go for team meals/nights out and on special occasions this is funded by the company. Every so often we have team building nights where we have been bowling for example. There are sports teams that you can involve yourself in, and groups for diverse networks.

Yes

The people I work with are all lovely and helpful. I feel comfortable at work and know I can ask for help whenever I need it. There are people that can help you with regards to BPP and you qualifications. I know that it is an excellent way to prepare for the accounting world.

Be yourself in the application programme. EY is huge on diversity so don't be afraid about not fitting in. Everyone feels accepted and included at work. The courses and programmes you will complete will cover the basics too, so it doesn't matter if you didn't study accounting at A Level.