Tax Trainee Review
at Smailes Goldie
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Tax
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Review Submitted: April 2025
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!
4.5/5
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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
Completing personal tax returns, CGT returns and occasionally IHT queries and forms. This includes gathering data from clients and HMRC, composing letters to clients to request additional information. To do this I am required to communicate with seniors, managers and partners from my own department and other departments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I greatly enjoy the programme as I am constantly learning and no day is ever the same. The people I work alongside are very supportive and encouraging which makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills such as being able to do tax calculations and understand what they mean and how the answer is reached. This is not just within personal tax but with CGT as well as there are many different elements that go into each calculation and varies for each client.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
At first the programme was not that well structured as the office had not previously had two trainees so it was a learning curve for everyone but there is now a firm structure in place which has allowed the programme to be more organised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I recieve a lot of support from my employer as I am surrounded by a team of tax staff who will explain anything that I am not sure of and will give me tasks that will challenge me to develop my learning.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I am due to start with my training provider in the next few weeks however have already recieved support from them in helping me understand the course.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
With my qualification I will be able to understand every aspect of what goes into a tax return be personal or corporation as well as a full understanding of the laws and legislation that I am required to follow. This will also give me confidence in day to day practice.
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
We have quarterly social events which allow us to relax and connect with our colleagues, once a year all the offices come together for a large event so we have chance to get to know people we don't interact with every day. There is also opportunities for trainees to go to careers events with work and talk to people who may be interested in joining the firm.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Smailes Goldie to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Smailes Goldie have been very supportive since the first day even with this being a new career for me and I have immediately been made to feel welcome and created friendships with my colleagues.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Smailes Goldie?
Be confident in what you are capable of doing but also mention what you need additional support with as they are keen on helping people become the best that they can be.
