Semi-senior accountant Review
at Affinia
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Ipswich
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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 role mainly consists of preparing annual financial statements for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. However, I also regularly prepare management accounts, VAT returns and personal/corporation tax returns. I am assigned tasks from various accounts managers in my team, who I speak to before I begin my job so that I am prepared. Sometimes my role also involves contacting clients via email or phone to request further information or to provide further clarification on information we have. I am responsible for completing all of my work and keeping my managers up to date with my progress and completion of tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I found all of my courses interesting and it was pleasing to look back and see the extent of how much I had learned/developed during my apprenticeship.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My skills on various pieces of software has developed a lot, such as Excel. I am also now familiar with the function of different accounting systems such as Xero and Sage. I have also become familiar with tax rules, filing deadlines and accounting adjustments/techniques, which has helped in my day-to-day role at Affinia.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme was very organised. I was provided with a study schedule from the start of my apprenticeship and have regular catch-ups with a designated skills coach who supported and made sure that I was up to date with my apprenticeship
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received a lot of support from my employer. Despite being given a schedule at the start of my apprenticeship, I had the flexibility to adapt and change my study when needed. I was also provided with some time during work hours to catch up or add to any apprenticeship work, as they are as enthusiastic about ensuring that all my apprenticeship work is done to the best of my ability.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I am given a lot of support from my training provider. I was assigned with a skills coach at the start of my apprenticeship who I had catch ups with every 6 weeks to make sure that I am not falling behind and to provide an update of my progress, as well as any questions I had. I was able to contact them whenever I had queries or issues. The courses were all done well too. These were mainly held in a physical classroom, and we are provided with as many resources as possible, from coursebooks to practice questions and online exams to help us pass each module.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
During my AAT qualification, I was taught the knowledge and skills about accounting, tax and managing businesses. These are all important skills to know in my accounting role, meaning I am able to help a wider range of people with a wider range of tasks.
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
We have a social committee at work who always plan and organise many different activities which we all enjoy getting involved in. Some examples include, a day out to the Newmarket races, a games evening and escape rooms.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Affinia to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Every colleague at Affinia that I have communicated with has always been friendly and will always be there to provide support. I feel I have progressed a lot since joining and know that I can always progress further.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Affinia?
To always ask colleagues if you need help, whether it is work or study related. And not to worry if you think that you feel out of your depth when you start, as you're always learning new things no matter what position you are in.
