Tax Trainee Review

I work as a private client tax assistant. My day to day tasks mainly consist of completing clients tax returns, ensuring they are complete and accurate by using all available information. My role also consists of drafting emails to clients on their personal tax related matters and generally ensuring all admin tasks for clients have been completed. I also attend college periodically where I am studying for my ATT qualifications.

I have learnt many new skills since starting my role, including how to think logically to solve clients tax situations. I have also learnt how to communicate in a professional manner through internal communications as well as through drafting emails to clients. Through studying at college I have developed my arithmetic skills as well as learning lots of new information about the tax industry specifically.

I enjoy the work as it is not repetitive due to each individual clients specific circumstances. I also enjoy the atmosphere within the workplace and the social side of working here. I also enjoy the programme as it is challenging, this is due to the company giving me lots od responsibility for clients work, this engages me with my work even more. I also enjoy attending college as this provides a nice break from day to day work and the topics covered on my college course provide me with the knowledge that I can take back to work with me and improve my understanding of the role.

I feel valued by the company as there is a good team spirit within the company. Everyone helps each other out with their work and everyone is very appreciative of each other's help. I also feel valued by the company as I know they are willing to invest in me in the long term, this is due to them paying and providing me with the opportunity to study for my professional qualifications.

The programme is very well organised, this is good as it ensures I know what is coming up in the future and can plan for this. College days are provided in advance as well as mock exams/link tests etc. Training is also well structured due to the bi-annually appraisal meetings which provide further structure to the programme. In terms of studying at college this is also well structured with clear instructions from my mentors about what to expect from each college day and what topics are necessary to revise further at home in advance of the next college day.

The training at college is very good. The tutors are very good teachers and clearly explain the content. The support at college is also extremely good, this is due to the tutors encouraging students to email them with any questions/issues they encounter whilst studying from home. I also enjoy the structure provided at College with a clear plan for the day ahead given in the morning.

At Work the support I receive is very good. My mentor, who sits next to me at work is always on hand to answer any questions I have. Furthermore, the people I sit near are also extremely helpful. Furthermore, when I started working here there were various training days, these days were extremely helpful in growing my understanding of the role and processes involved as well as increasing my understanding as the business as a whole.

The salary is adequate for meeting my costs. I currently live at home so my only expenses are travel and food expenses. These expenses are covered by my salary as well as giving me some left over excess income to spend/save. As I progress throughout the apprenticeship there are gradual wage increases, this is good and increases my motivation to continue working hard throughout the length of apprenticeship.

Outside of work there are many opportunities to get involved. There are often charity events which the company sponsors and you have the opportunity to attend these events are increase your networking profile. There are also many sporting groups/clubs to join for example 5-a side football. There are also many other events that you can attend by being a member of a specific group within the company, for example the sports group, these events are more tailored to the specific group you are a member of.

Yes

I would recommend Smith and Williamson to a friend as working here is very rewarding as well as challenging. The work is interesting and the work-life balance is good. The salary is also very competitive. Mostly working at the company is helped due to the friendly atmosphere in the office as well as the social events outside of work run by the company. Furthermore, the company supports its staff throughout their careers with the company which is another reason why I would recommend the company to a friend.

I would encourage applicants to make a good impression at the assessment days and interviews and so be themselves. I would encourage the applicants to put lots of time and effort into the preparing for the interview and do lots of independent research as to what to expect from the role and the course prior to the interview. I would also encourage applicants to stay calm and relaxed throughout the application process as the people at the company are very nice people and want to help you throughout the application process.