Semi-senior accountant Review
at DJH
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Stoke-on-Trent
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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 of company year end accounts and corporation tax returns. Managing and preparing VAT returns and general client deadlines. Providing support to a range of clients on numerous topics from their finances to accounting software. Generally supporting the team/ senior staff with higher level work and projects. Occasionally involved with audits - more specifically managing fieldwork with SRA audits.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Given the nature of the profession, some subjects are more exciting than others but when the skills are put into practical use at DJH, the programme and what it aims to teach quickly become enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes almost all of my skills in accounting and finance has been developed during the course of my apprenticeship with DJH. Besides the accounting focused skills and development, DJH have enhanced my confidence massively by trusting and supporting me with a ladder of opportunities. What used to be a weakness is now a strength such as public speaking, as the firm has supported me to learn and grow wherever I can - without any pressure.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well structured from the training providers side but also from DJHs side as they employer a number of learning and development coaches who assist and guide us through the course and its admin.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A fantastic amount - they've always been good at supporting us but recently I've had a bad stent of health issues and they've been nothing but understanding and supportive, allowing me to prioritise my health when required without pressure but also helping me get back into the flow of things when the time was right.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Enough support is there for sure but with DJH having in house specialists I find myself gravitating towards them for support rather than the provider. This is nothing against what the training provider offers were just lucky enough to have support close to home.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification teaches me the skills required to take on higher level work and more confidently take on complicated queries and client matters. This naturally allows more work to flow down from the most experienced members of staff to the likes of myself as my skills develop. Otherwise, generally skills like communication and just general confidence allow for a more functional working environment which the qualification fosters.
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
Yes, there are endless events. There always seems to be a new food van rolling up, socials to sign up for and great charity work to attend. I recently completed the Yorkshire 3 peaks with DJH which was a fantastic experience. There's also the annual Summer Summit where all of the offices come together for a fun day of round ups and games.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DJH to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They seem to have fostered a fantastic balance in their working environment which sits between a fun and happy place to work but also a driven and professional firm. It keeps the journey exciting and challenging without the typical pressures of an intense firm. This has been the case since I joined when we had 40/50 staff at Mitten Clarke through to today where we're quickly climbing the ranks in the top 50 firms.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DJH?
Be yourself and don't come in with an ego! Skills will be recognised naturally - what counts is how well everyone works as a team and maintaining our culture. if you're generally pleasant and have a good forwards thinking outlook then you'll fit right in (and will probably pass the interview) !
