Tax Assistant Review
at Forvis Mazars
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting
Leeds
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
3.4/5
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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
On a day-to-day basis I am involved with compliance and advisory work. Compliance work consists of collecting data from the clients, and then preparing tax returns. Advisory work ranges from small one off queries to larger reports covering a range of sectors from customs to property to retail. Utilising legislation as well as case law to provide answers to the clients queries.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme is very enjoyable. The technical aspect of the job is challenging but the support you receive from the team is vital. No matter the nature of the question or difficulty, all colleagues are happy to support and offer guidance which is why I enjoy the programme so much. Feel supported through client work, college and improving soft skills
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Improved communication skills, specifically professional/ formal writing when corresponding with clients. Communication skills are also important as we often present case law or technical training sessions to colleagues. Time management is important, as often have several projects/ work flows to do from different managers. Key skill is learning how to priorities and manage work loads.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Programme is mostly well structured. The college and training provided by BPP has not been the best. Deadlines pass with little guidance from them and they don't answer queries for extended periods of time. Work have understood the difficulties and support in the best way they can, they help chase BPP and give guidance from past experiences.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We receive lots of support from employer. We have an allocation of college leave days as well as study leave we can take when we see fit. They support us when completing client work and also help if we have any queries related to study. Having weekly 1-2-1s is valuable as we can raise any issues or aspects we are enjoying to do more of them.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
As mentioned, not the best support from BPP. They are slow to reply to queries and we have missed deadlines for presentations to BPP due to their failure to book the time in. You need understand what you have to do and stay on top of the work as they do not remind you.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification does help you perform better in work. The soft skills workshops can seem arduous but they do offer guidance and direction when entering the professional working environment. The technical qualification is vital as it really helps you understand the technical aspects of work as well as building your confidence when you pass exams.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are many sports teams at work, football, running club etc. They also have regular charity and social days and lunches at the office, for events such as the world cup and coronation. They also keep you updated on local networking events which occur once every week or two. We also have larger office wide evening events such as Christmas parties and summer bbqs.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forvis Mazars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The work and social environment is great. You feel supported by team members as well as senior members of the office. I enjoy the work that we do as well as the training and learning aspect. There are many social events which take place, they encourage networking and having a good work life balance.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Forvis Mazars?
Just be yourself! Show off the skills you do have, explain the skills you would like to develop and why. Have a good understanding of the job you are applying for and if there is any qualifications involved, again why do you think this role would suit you and what do you think you could offer.
