Junior Tax Associate Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Romford, Greater London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
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:
4/5
I work as a junior tax assistant in the corporation tax team. We help to prepare tax computations and returns for a wide range of clients and provide other tax advice and services where necessary. I usually prepare the computations/other documents for manager's review but i also complete other activities such as contacting HMRC on behalf of a client.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the programme as i get to perform a wide variety of tasks as well as working with numerous different people within BDO, as well as clients. There is also a good balance of working, college and study leave which help to not make the weeks too monotonous.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My communication and team work skills have improved significantly due to the wide range of people you work with as well as a wide range of clients which offer different challenges and experiences. I have also gained more self confidence and have more faith in the work that i do and that it is to a high standard.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The structure of the programme at BDO seems to be fairly well organised with everything being put in place to help us balance work life and college / study leave. However, the communication for when dates are for attending college, sitting exams etc. has been pretty poor- this can be improved.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer and they have a lot of processes in place to ensure that there are people there to help if i need it. I have weekly calls with my line manager, as well as bi monthly calls with a 'buddy' and also my partner.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider provide us with all of the relevant resources to pass our exam as well as teaching us where necessary. They repeatedly email you to check in and make sure that you are happy with your studies and that everything is going well. There is a lot of support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It depends on the exam. Some of the exams are more audit based and i find that these aren't very helpful for my job, although it does help slightly to know all of the terminology / understand how things work when i need to contact the audit team. However, a lot of the content in the tax exams is relevant and i believe it will help me to develop further in my role.
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 tried to have work drinks/events every month or 2 with our whole team as well as numerous other activities you can attend (5 a side football team etc.). Post covid of course this has been more difficult but there are lots of teams meetings you can join such as workout sessions which help to keep in touch.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BDO have offered me a lot of support ever since i joined and they are a really good employer to work for. I always feel safe and comfortable at work and am confident that i have the support there should i need help. It is also a very friendly team environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Embrace the whole experience as there are so many opportunities available to you at work which could help you to develop as a person or it can help with other skills outside of work. There are opportunities for secondments into other teams as well so if you are looking to diversify then definitely take these options.
