Business Services Associate Review

Item: Business Services Associate at PKF Smith Cooper
Rating: 4.9
Author: Anonymous

at PKF Smith Cooper

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting

Ashbourne

Review Submitted: February 2026

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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.8/5 - 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 produce management accounts for multiple different clients throughout the year and also complete VAT returns for clients each month depending on their QE.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

It's good, the culture is excellent - there are always events on inside and outside of work hours which you can participate in. The work is interesting and enjoyable to do.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have learnt many different skills since starting such as the ability to produce accounts and VAT returns, my communication skills have improved by working somewhere new and also going to networking events.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

There is a well set out plan to complete the apprenticeship and gain the qualifications.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Support is always there if and when I need it whether it's for college or for work.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

I have one day a week at college and if there is something I don't understand it is easy to go to someone and ask.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

I think that the qualification definitely helps towards my job role as it helps me to gain a much better understanding of what I am doing, not everything is relevant to the job that I do but the content that is is really helpful.

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 as stated previously, there are lots of areas where I can get involved in events in and outside of work including sports and networking events.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend PKF Smith Cooper to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I think it has a really good culture and great benefits and is an enjoyable place to work. There is a lot of potential to grow my career and it also offers the opportunity to change the department you work in which I think is really valuable.