Tax Associate Review

This involves tax compliance and advisory work across various sectors. My day to day role involves preparing tax computations and returns for work, corresponding with clients, other teams in the firm and HMRC. I have training sessions on technical areas both internal and external. These are very useful in providing me with the skills required for my job.

I learn new skills all the time. I have developed my soft skills through training and learning in my apprenticeship. I have learnt technical skills that help me with my day-to-day role. These include improving my tax knowledge and accounting knowledge. I have progressed in terms of my ethical knowledge.

I enjoy my programme as I enjoy learning and progressing in my career. I have helpful colleagues around me who I can learn from and make the overall work experience a better one. I have had help both in my work and exams from my colleagues. I have found my programme very enjoyable over the last three years.

My programme was fairly well structured but I joined the apprenticeship late into the programme which felt slightly disruptive. As I was the first to do a level 7 apprenticeship, there were some unknowns along the way which made the programme more stressful than it usually would be. These included changes to my exam schedule.

I receive a lot of support from my employer as I know they are always happy to help when I need it. I have been given a 'counselling manager' and 'counselling partner' - Manager and Partner level, who check in to make sure everything is running smoothly. There have been no problems in this area.

I have received some support from my training provider but sometimes communication has been poor. I have had to organise myself many times and this has added stress to the programme which I feel could have been avoided. The learning content has however been very good at all times. Overall the qualification has been supported fairly well.

I have learnt a variety of soft skills than enable me to do better in my day-to-day role. I can efficiently communicate with others and I can recognise ethical conflicts more easily. I have learnt a variety of technical skills which I use everyday and allow me to be far more efficient in my work. I have learnt managerial skills which will allow me to progress

We regularly have social activities. This has however been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prior to this we would have a couple of social activities every month. There are sports teams available and there have been a variety of networking events such as 'women in tax' which have been very useful.

Yes

BDO offers a supportive training programme. I can work for a large range of clients and progress in my role. I have the support from my colleagues and training provider and I have now come to the end of my training programme having successfully completed my apprenticeship and ACA exams.

You should ensure you are prepared to study whilst still managing your work load. This is crucial to succeeding as you cannot continue on the scheme if you do not pass your exams. It is important to learn from those around you and gain exposure to a wide range of sectors and clients.