Junior Tax Associate Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Bristol
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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 a junior tax associate in the corporation tax team. I draft tax computations and returns, prepare advisory reports, draft emails for senior team members and perform other administrative tasks. I have my own small client portfolio where I have been able to develop my project management skills as well as carrying out compliance work for such clients.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am really enjoying my accountancy apprenticeship. I am enjoying the mixture of work experience in my role and ongoing learning via my studies and available internal training. I feel very supported by my company and therefore feel I am able to enjoy the process without being overloaded with work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my project management skills by having my own small client portfolio. I have also developed my IT skills by voluntarily attending some IT training on using excel and by using new software such as Alphatax. Furthermore, I have developed my communication skills by attending and participating in client calls.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I feel the programme is very well organised and structured. I am clear on what exams I have and when I will be taking them. If I have any concerns or am unsure on anything, I know where to go to ask any questions and they are quickly answered by our professional qualifications team.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel I am very supported by my employer in my apprenticeship. I have a weekly catch up with my people manager where we discuss anything I have going on in regards to my apprenticeship and my work. There is also an easy way to get in contact with our professional qualifications team and they have been very helpful in helping me with my queries.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my training provider when working towards my qualification. During study periods, I have access to a tutor who is available to me on email and during our study sessions. There is also a forum to ask any questions. Furthermore, I receive emails from the training provider to check in on how I'm feeling during the process.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification allows me to perform better in my role as it allows me to develop the technical knowledge needed in my job. Therefore, I am able to complete my work to a higher standard. Additionally, I have developed further skills such as written communication in my skills and behaviours activities.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. For example, there are social activities such as work dinners, Christmas meals, quizzes and drinks. There are also sports teams, such as a netball team. Additionally, there are professional networking events such as an alumni networking event which is happening soon.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BDO to a friend because the company have supported me very well in my job role. I feel they really care about me as a person rather than as someone just to carry out work for them. They have demonstrated this by caring about my work life balance and ensuring I am happy in my role.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
I would advise people who are applying to BDO to be themselves. BDO really have a focus on allowing people to be themselves and feeling comfortable in their workplace. I would also advise people to have a positive attitude and to demonstrate their willingness to learn, as this is more important than the amount of existing knowledge you have.
