Accountant Review
at Walter Dawson & Son
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting, Audit, Tax
Bradford
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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
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
My role has a sort of duality to it, half of my time I am an audit, completing audit services for companies and recommending different services, systems or internal controls that might help the business function more reliably, so there's an increase in confidence regrading the audit report. The other half of my job is accountancy and tax service, where I complete a clients accounts and self assessment, recommending them tax planning advice.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I'll start off by saying that I won't deny, its extremely challenging. It has pushed me to my limits, however I enjoy it in a challenging sort of way. Being able to overcome challenge that I wasn't able to do months ago really is a milestone marker.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Whilst the apprenticeship is still rather new (6 months), in the short time, I feel like my skills knowledge and behaviours have all improved. I have gained new knowledge and expanded my current skills to be able to offer clients a better tax advice and accounting service.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well structured, I have a clear plan of action for the duration of my apprenticeship. I know where I need to be and what I need to do by specific dates to ensure that I can complete the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive as much help from my employer as I require. No one has ever turned down my cry for help and everyone that can help has been really supportive and engaging regarding any questions I may have.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I couldn't rate them highly enough, they're fantastic. They're always on hand it feels like 24/7 so even if I don't necessarily understand a certain topic, by the next day I will have a tutor helping me through said issue.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
So much better, I feel that I personally will be a much more better well rounded accountant. I will be aware of all tax laws for example, and therefore be able to give clients the best advice that I can offer.
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, so we have events every quarter where the whole business gets together, these activities have ranged from a day at the races to footgolf to darts. So there's always a varied roster of activities that everyone can get involved in
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Walter Dawson & Son to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a very well run machine on nurturing and helping talent rise through the ranks. Ive been with WDS for 6 and a bit years now, so I've seen every level of progression and one thing I love is that im always challenged there's never a dull day and there's always opportunities around the corner if you go searching for them.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Walter Dawson & Son?
Be transparent and open. Activity ask questions surrounding the work that you're completing and just have a general inquisitive mind and just remember when learning that no question is stupid.
