Assistant Tax Manager Review
at Post Office
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I am involved in the day to day running of the tax function. I complete the period end journals and balance sheet reconciliations for the tax related matters.
Post period end I complete the income and expenditure analysis for VAT and prepare the quarterly VAT return and reconciliation for review by the Head of Tax.
I also complete work on employment taxes returns and corporation tax returns and claims.
Post period end I complete the income and expenditure analysis for VAT and prepare the quarterly VAT return and reconciliation for review by the Head of Tax.
I also complete work on employment taxes returns and corporation tax returns and claims.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
On the whole I enjoy it a lot. At the outset, pre Covid, I had face to face classroom learning which I prefer. We've since moved to online classes. The standard of teaching is the same, but you lose the spontaneity and with Zoom you sometimes lose the connection completely.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've been learning a whole new set of skills since joining the tax team ranging from the regulatory requirements, and impact on the business of different taxes plus the internal policies, processes and systems we have in place to accurately record and report liabilities for different types of tax.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Kaplan's programme is generally well organised and is managed in combination with Association of Tax Technicians preparation of learning materials.
The online and physical learning materials and website is very good. The content is well structured and easy to read.
The back office admin is the area that could do with a little improvement.
The online and physical learning materials and website is very good. The content is well structured and easy to read.
The back office admin is the area that could do with a little improvement.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Post Office Ltd have provided an excellent level of support across the whole process.
In house tuition and mentoring is always available.
I've been given exposure to real world examples and reporting requirements that marry up to the syllabus content which makes learning far easier.
Overall very happy with the process so far.
In house tuition and mentoring is always available.
I've been given exposure to real world examples and reporting requirements that marry up to the syllabus content which makes learning far easier.
Overall very happy with the process so far.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support from Kaplan has been very good.
I can't fault the attitude, abilities and knowledge of the tutors.
My current talent coach is also excellent. She is very proactive and supportive.
The only area of improvement relates to the back office admin which I've found to be a bit less slick.
I can't fault the attitude, abilities and knowledge of the tutors.
My current talent coach is also excellent. She is very proactive and supportive.
The only area of improvement relates to the back office admin which I've found to be a bit less slick.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The Association of Tax Technicians qualification absolutely, definitely is helping me perform better in my role.
The learning materials clearly set out and explain the requirements of different aspects of tax legislation, and provide worked examples of how to apply the legislation. I am then seeing real world instances at work where I am able to put the theory into practice.
I'm also able to contribute to calls and discussions and say "the legislation says X, which means Y impact for us".
The learning materials clearly set out and explain the requirements of different aspects of tax legislation, and provide worked examples of how to apply the legislation. I am then seeing real world instances at work where I am able to put the theory into practice.
I'm also able to contribute to calls and discussions and say "the legislation says X, which means Y impact for us".
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Pre Covid we had regular social events outside of work.
Since we all began working from home and being socially distanced we've made use of Microsoft Teams and Strava to set up virtual events including quizzes and outdoor activities.
This has been enjoyable and beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Since we all began working from home and being socially distanced we've made use of Microsoft Teams and Strava to set up virtual events including quizzes and outdoor activities.
This has been enjoyable and beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Post Office to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Despite being over 300 years old it's an employer with a progressive mindset and culture, with a desire to continue developing.
Post Office is also serious about its social responsibilities and understands the impact it has in the communities that it operates.
It's an enjoyable place with a good work life balance.
Post Office is also serious about its social responsibilities and understands the impact it has in the communities that it operates.
It's an enjoyable place with a good work life balance.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Post Office?
Be yourself in your application and at interview.
Prepare thoroughly for any interview or assessment day that you are invited to, and if you have any questions contact HR or the recruiting manager. They're there to help and want to find the best candidates who are genuinely interested in working for Post Office.
Don't be put off applying for a role if you don't have exactly the right qualifications. It's more important that your CV demonstrates an ability and willingness to learn, because everything you don't know you can be taught.
Prepare thoroughly for any interview or assessment day that you are invited to, and if you have any questions contact HR or the recruiting manager. They're there to help and want to find the best candidates who are genuinely interested in working for Post Office.
Don't be put off applying for a role if you don't have exactly the right qualifications. It's more important that your CV demonstrates an ability and willingness to learn, because everything you don't know you can be taught.
