Finance Graduate Apprentice Review
at HMRC
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Worthing, West Sussex
Review Submitted: May 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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
I work as a Deputy Finance Business Partner within the Fraud Investigation Service. Primarily to support business areas and also the report on Resource Account activities and provide suggestions for continuous improvement activities. I also line manage 2 staff
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme but find it challenging, as it should be as it's a level 7 qualification. The number of opportunities available both in and out of the programme has been fantastic and I've been able to immerse myself in the business.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt so many new skills within the finance profession. Prior to the apprenticeship, I was a headteacher of a primary school. HMRC and First Intuition have built upon prior learning and supported holistic development of me as a finance professional
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Really well organised and structured on the whole. You can see how the learning builds as you move through the modules. And the variety of placements provides you with different work experiences.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support is there as and when you need it. If you're doing well, they will do a light touch update. If you're struggling the support is there to help you to be successful.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
They've been great. My skills tutor is always at the end of an email or telephone and has been super supportive. I recently hurt my back and it was no problem arranging a push back of exams. Couldn't have asked for better support
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It is a massive help. When I started 2 years ago, it was like speaking another language, amortisation, depreciation, reconciliations...the support and education has helped me to excel at my role and I was awarded Government Finance Function trainee of the year in September 2024
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've been bowling together and to the dog racing.
I've also had opportunities outside of HMRC through the Government Finance Function - networking events with GFF alumni and also talking at the GFF Conference in Liverpool in front of 1500 finance professionals. There are so many to choose from
I've also had opportunities outside of HMRC through the Government Finance Function - networking events with GFF alumni and also talking at the GFF Conference in Liverpool in front of 1500 finance professionals. There are so many to choose from
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend HMRC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I've found it a great place to work. Offices are great. But the people are what makes this a great place to work. They are so supportive and put up with my constant "Why?" questions. I was diagnosed as autistic in February 2024, and I feel able to be my authentic self within HMRC.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to HMRC?
Don't let age be a barrier. I was 46 when I applied for my apprenticeship and had already spent almost two decades within primary education. The process is long but it is definitely worth doing.
