Trainee Review
at Smailes Goldie
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Hull Bridge
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
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
In my role as a trainee accountant, I support the accounts preparation process by analysing key areas of the financial statements, completing bank reconciliations, reviewing debtors and creditors, and preparing the VAT section. I ensure all figures are accurate and supported with clear documentation. During quieter periods in accounts, I gain additional experience in tax and audit, assisting those teams with basic computations, testing, and administrative tasks. This variety of work is helping me build strong technical skills and a well‑rounded understanding of the firm’s operations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I do enjoy it although it can be full on and stressful at times!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Through my role as a trainee accountant, I have developed strong technical skills in accounts preparation, including financial analysis, bank reconciliations, debtor and creditor review, and VAT work. Supporting the tax and audit teams has broadened my understanding of compliance, testing, and the wider financial reporting process. Alongside this, my apprenticeship programme has helped me build key professional skills such as effective communication, continuous improvement, time management, and professional scepticism. Together, these experiences are giving me a well‑rounded foundation for my future career in accountancy.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is well organised, we have various planning boards in my department and I am able to schedule in when I am on study, which I find out months in advance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is always happy to discuss my development with me and go through any issues I may have.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Those in my department are always happy to help me with exam questions or concepts I do not understand - they also help me by relating them to account preparation I am doing at work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I find that my qualifiation really helps me to improve my work. Sometimes things I haven't fully understood at work will come up whilst I am on tuition and this helps me to understand the concepts I have previously struggled with.
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
There are often department social events such as going for food or drinks. There are also sports teams such as netball and football.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Smailes Goldie to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a nice place to work full of friendly people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Smailes Goldie?
To do additional work experience before coming here as it shows dedication.
