Tax Apprentice Review

I started as a tax apprentice completing monthly tax reconciliations and cleardowns but have now rotated into the Statutory accounts team preparing year end accounts.

I'm learning something new everyday. It is tiring but rewarding. There is always a new bit of software or a query that needs solving/answering.

I'm enjoying the job and the company I work for. The apprenticeship programme itself is fine but I do sometimes struggle to find time to write the reports when I'm so busy with the day job. It has been the foot in the door that I needed though.

Inside the company there isn't a huge amount of structure which is fine with me, I enjoy the flexibility of being able to work in different areas rather than having a set structure. The apprenticeship itself is quite rigidly structured with report writing and evidence collection, with due dates and and time tables.

I receive a good amount of support from my colleagues and managers with my work, learning and exams. It is easy in such a large organisation to get lost amongst the voices so sometimes it feels like you need to constantly hound people for a response to questions.

The training provider are usually quick to resolve any issues or answer and questions. The training they provide is good quality and there are plenty of resources available which they will point us in the direction of. To get the very best results you will need to do some study outside of just the training provided.

The training and role go hand-in-hand. The qualification gives me the theory behind the work and the job gives me the practical experience completing the work or exposure to the environment that I'm studying.

There are several communities that we can get involved in around inclusion, diversity, sustainability and more. There are also regular meetings held to discuss topics such as mental health and isolation. There are a few annual events that take place and networking events are held approximately quarterly for new starters, with project work and presentations.

Yes

I have found everyone at Tarmac really friendly, helpful and engaging. The company is big which can be intimidating but it also has given me the opportunity to experience different roles and I know that if I start working in a role that I don't enjoy, that I'm not stuck there. I've started as a tax apprentice but it is possible that I won't be working in tax or even finance this time next year but potentially on another team altogether.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most people will want to help or at least be able to point you in the right direction. Don't worry that you're not sure if the role is what you want, it's a good way in to a company that has lots of opportunities. Be willing to put yourself forward for extra training, project work, helping out at events. It will be appreciated, noticed and will help you develop skills.