Corporate tax assistant Review
at PKF Smith Cooper
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting, Tax
Derby
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
5/5
My day-to-day tasks involve preparing and filing tax computations promptly to meet all HMRC and client deadlines. Additionally, I liaise with audit teams and clients to gather any further information required to complete their tax computations accurately.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my role as a Corporate Tax Assistant because the dynamic nature of the job keeps me constantly engaged and offers something new to learn every day.
Additionally, the collaborative environment is fantastic. Interacting with various departments, both for work-related and non-work-related matters, enhances my communication skills.
Additionally, the collaborative environment is fantastic. Interacting with various departments, both for work-related and non-work-related matters, enhances my communication skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have enhanced my communication skills by regularly interacting with colleagues both within my department and across other departments. Additionally, I have improved my time management skills by consistently updating my planner to ensure all tasks are completed before deadlines. When necessary, I seek assistance to stay on track.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My manager has developed an excellent spreadsheet that outlines the schedule for our exams and the expected timeline for promotions. Additionally, there is complete transparency regarding pay and anticipated pay raises, which motivates everyone to work towards these goals.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We receive immense support throughout this program, from colleagues to managers. We have a dedicated Learning and Development Executive who oversees all apprentices, ensuring that deadlines are met. They also make time to provide additional support whenever needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Kaplan provides fantastic support, covering both academic and apprenticeship needs. They ensure we stay on track with our tasks and proactively reach out if we fall behind, offering additional assistance as needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification is essential for my role as it enhances my overall understanding of tax, enabling me to apply professional scepticism in my work to prevent any misconduct.
Additionally, it allows me to deepen my knowledge in niche tax areas, ensuring that tax computations are as accurate as possible.
Additionally, it allows me to deepen my knowledge in niche tax areas, ensuring that tax computations are as accurate as possible.
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 many additional activities to participate in. We have various communities, such as the social committee, which plans social and sports events. Additionally, we have an annual tax team day and a summer party for all employees.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PKF Smith Cooper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The key reason would be professional growth as it is limitless in this company and there is a transparent path laid out for you which will ensure you are timely promoted based on experience and progress through the apprenticeship.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PKF Smith Cooper?
The key advice is to thoroughly understand the role and highlight your key skills that align with it, such as analytical skills, attention to detail, and communication. Make sure to provide examples of where you have demonstrated these skills.
