Trainee Associate Review

I am a tax apprentice, my days are varied and can include client meetings, emails, tax computations or any variety of other tasks. I regularly carry out complex reviews of client financial statements with the support of my team and training provided by my employer. When in client meetings I am typically the designated note taker, but the longer I have been in my role the more speaking parts I have taken on during these meetings. I have also been delegated as initial client contact on some projects, requesting documents or scheduling meetings where necessary to facilitate the teams' work.

I have learnt many new skills regarding tax computations, how to use various softwares and other technical skills. I have also improved upon my soft skills such as my confidence and communication.

I really enjoy my program I think that it has given me a rich experience and is preparing me well to take on many responsibilities. I am well supported by my team both in the work I am delegated and undertaking my exams. I am encouraged to take actions to support my work-life balance and prioritise my examinations by not feeling pressured to take on too much work.

I think it is fairly well organised. My core team is very supportive and my employer has a well thought out structure. However, the facilitators of the programme, known as PQ (professional qualifications) is not very communicative. They do not properly support our development or inform us when our exams or training days are. It is difficult to get ahold of our designated contact and he is regularly unable to answer our questions or properly support us.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and team. I am encouraged to put in hard-stops to prevent people from over-utilising my time and leaving me no time to revise. I am always able to and comfortable asking questions to support my development and understanding of the work I am asked to undertake.

Kaplan is quite supportive, my tutor is communicative and it is easy to reach out and ask her questions. The materials I am provided with are useful and comprehensive, and any practice exams/questions are challenging and support the learning we have undertaken. I feel well prepared when undertaking examinations.

The training I have undertaken so far isn't fully relevant to my role as I deal with corporate tax and so far have only been trained in ethics and personal income tax. However, I know there is training to come on corporate tax and the training so far has indirectly supported my learning with things such as writing client emails or understanding the risks of taking on new clients.

I am one of the individuals who organises our team socials and we have activity based and meal based socials through the year. There are also a plethora of networks available to join depending on interests individuals may have or support groups. There are also occasional firmwide activities such as a Christmas Panto to get involved in.

Yes

I feel well supported at work and the working environment is enjoyable. I feel encouraged to stretch my abilities and work outside of my comfort zone to learn new things. I have greatly accelerated my learning whilst working here and developed both my hard and soft skills, as well as improving my technical knowledge.

Research the company to ensure it aligns with your values, make sure you are prepared to work hard as you are balancing a full-time job whilst studying.