Tax Assistant Review
at Larking Gowen
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Tax
Norwich
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
3.8/5
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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
- Preparation and filing of tax returns for individuals.
- Liaising with portfolio holders and team member for delegated work.
- Corresponding with clients via phone and email.
- Corresponding with HMRC via the agent dedicated line.
- Liaising with portfolio holders and team member for delegated work.
- Corresponding with clients via phone and email.
- Corresponding with HMRC via the agent dedicated line.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I think the Larking Gowen apprenticeship scheme is excellent, great in house profession training has been provided from the offset and a wide scope of work is provided that gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself which drives development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
As I had hoped upon enrolling into the Larking Gowen apprenticeship scheme, I believe that my organisation and communication skills have dramatically improved since leaving Sixth Form. These skills have been developed in an environment that challenges you, forcing you to think differently, although support is always provided with alternative ideas.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
From day 1, the firm provided myself and the other apprentices with guidance around my ATT apprenticeship which could be used in most situations when queries arise with the apprenticeship. In addition, due to Larking Gowen's commitment to the apprenticeship scheme there is also always an extensive network of fellow and past apprentices who are always on hand to provide support.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The programme is well structured with support provided from dedicated internal training staff who are always on hand to provide guidance. We are given generous amounts of time for study and revision prior to exams and the staff in the office are always happy to help out when any technical questions arise.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Good support is provided from Tolley tax training, the tutors are always available by email for any technical queries that rise. In addition, my skills coach, Melanie McLeod, frequently sends emails checking in on my wellbeing and how the apprenticeship is going.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification which I am studying for is the perfect qualification for my chosen career in tax. My training provider has provided excellent technical guidance and training.
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
There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work which can be partially and sometimes fully funded by the firm to build teamwork skills. Larking Gowen is also involved in Norfolk's YPG providing paid tickets for many of their event which aids apprentices to begin their professional networking journey.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Larking Gowen to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Larking Gowen is a great place to work with excellent people and a vast array of skills which for an apprentice is ideal as it provided a great development opportunity.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Larking Gowen?
Before applying to Larking Gowen or any accountancy firm, undertake work experience. I believe this was the most important step I took prior to application. It provides you with a great insight for you to understand if it is the correct career for you and also provides talking points for interviews,
