Business Services Associate Review

As a Business Services Associate, I primarily prepare companies’ year‑end accounts and management accounts, as well as assist with VAT returns. Much of my work involves using accounting software's such as Sage and Xero, and I also spend a significant amount of time in Excel producing detailed working papers. In addition to this, I support bookkeeping tasks, including posting invoices onto Xero. I’ve always had a strong passion for both Business and Maths, studying both at A‑Level, and I feel this role is a perfect fit because it brings together my interest in numbers with my enthusiasm for the business world.

My programme is well structured, with me spending four days a week in the office and one day at college. I’m always given work when it’s available, and most of my tasks are organised by a colleague who was assigned as my ‘buddy’ when I started. I’m set target deadlines for each piece of work, which helps my managers track my progress and encourages me to keep developing in my role.
We also have a weekly team meeting to review the jobs we each have on and to make sure everyone has a suitable workload. On top of this, I’m given dedicated time to complete my learning journals and any college work I need to catch up on.

I receive a great deal of support from my employer. From the beginning, I was assigned a buddy who has helped me enormously, and I’m extremely grateful for the guidance they’ve given me. I also have monthly one‑to‑ones with my line manager, which provide an opportunity to discuss the jobs I’m working on, how I’m finding my workload, any concerns I may have, and even just catch up on general day‑to‑day things.
Every two months, I have a more in‑depth catch‑up with my manager that focuses specifically on my progress and how I can continue to develop as a Business Services Associate. In addition to this, we have PDRs every six months, where we review the goals set on Bob, reflect on whether they’ve been achieved, and identify ways to improve if they haven’t. This meeting also allows managers to give clear feedback on how they feel I’m performing.

I have a progress call with someone from my training provider roughly every two months, where we discuss how I’m managing both work and college, as well as any concerns I might have. They also check that I’m up to date with my portfolio work and learning journals to make sure I’m on track to complete my AAT Level 3 qualification.

I believe the AAT Level 3 qualification has helped me massively in my role, as it provides a solid understanding of the key areas of accounting - such as VAT, financial accounting, and management accounting - which is ideal for someone just starting out. It builds a strong foundation of knowledge that is essential for anyone with little or no prior experience.
Some people might view a Level 3 apprenticeship as a sideways step after completing A-levels, but I strongly disagree. The knowledge and skills gained through AAT Level 3 are highly relevant to my day-to-day work and have been incredibly valuable in helping me grow. It’s an excellent starting point, and I believe it will support me as I work towards eventually becoming Level 7 qualified.

Yes

PKF Smith Cooper has a great balance between hard work and socialising. I really appreciate how much I’m pushed to improve in my role - only five months in, and I can already see a significant improvement in my accounting knowledge and overall confidence. The support and challenge I receive here have made a huge difference in helping me grow both professionally and personally.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the relationships I’ve built within the team. At first, I was worried I might struggle to meet like‑minded people, but I quickly realised there truly is someone for everyone at PKF Smith Cooper. The team is welcoming, friendly, and genuinely fun to be around, which makes coming into work so much easier and more enjoyable.
As someone who loves maths and business, this role has felt like the perfect fit, and if you share those interests, I would definitely recommend considering a Business Services Associate position at PKF Smith Cooper. It’s a place where you can develop quickly, form strong connections, and feel supported every step of the way.