Apprentice Accountant Review
at Davenports Group Ltd
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Accounting
Bury, Greater Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
3.8/5
-
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
My role has involved a steady increase in responsibilities as my skills and confidence have developed. I initially began with the processing of accounting paperwork, including scanning and uploading sales invoices, purchase invoices, expense claims, and receipts using Hubdoc and Dext, ensuring these were coded accurately to the correct ledgers and clients.
As I progressed, my responsibilities expanded to include telephone triage and general administrative support, helping to manage incoming queries and maintain effective office organisation.
I then moved on to routine bookkeeping for clients, applying accounting principles in practice, alongside routine payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with deadlines. Building on this experience, I completed my first self‑assessment tax return from start to finish, followed by preparing and submitting my first VAT return, developing my understanding of compliance requirements and HMRC processes.
Alongside technical work, I have focused on strengthening my organisational and prioritisation skills, working closely with my manager to manage workloads effectively and meet deadlines. On a day‑to‑day basis, I continue to build on my existing skills, apply underpinning accounting knowledge, and take on increasingly complex tasks, supporting both clients and the wider team.
Every day provides further opportunities to develop professionally, reinforce learning through practical application, and take on greater responsibility within the role.
As I progressed, my responsibilities expanded to include telephone triage and general administrative support, helping to manage incoming queries and maintain effective office organisation.
I then moved on to routine bookkeeping for clients, applying accounting principles in practice, alongside routine payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with deadlines. Building on this experience, I completed my first self‑assessment tax return from start to finish, followed by preparing and submitting my first VAT return, developing my understanding of compliance requirements and HMRC processes.
Alongside technical work, I have focused on strengthening my organisational and prioritisation skills, working closely with my manager to manage workloads effectively and meet deadlines. On a day‑to‑day basis, I continue to build on my existing skills, apply underpinning accounting knowledge, and take on increasingly complex tasks, supporting both clients and the wider team.
Every day provides further opportunities to develop professionally, reinforce learning through practical application, and take on greater responsibility within the role.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme and feel highly engaged with it. On a day‑to‑day basis, I feel that I am working not only towards my own personal and professional development, but also contributing positively to the continued growth and success of the organisation. This gives me a strong sense of purpose and identity within my role, which motivates me to continue performing and progressing, even during challenging periods.
I am inspired by my colleagues and have full confidence in my managers, who consistently demonstrate that they have my best interests at heart. This has reassured me that I am in the right environment to develop, learn, and succeed.
The support I have received from my employer has been particularly significant during important personal circumstances. This includes support throughout my ADHD diagnosis and subsequent medication titration, as well as compassionate support during a period of bereavement. I was given the flexibility and understanding needed to continue working effectively, while also being given the space to grieve with dignity. This support has had a very positive impact on both my wellbeing and my ability to perform in my role.
The only challenge I have experienced relates to the academic and college element of the programme, which has been difficult at times and not always a positive experience. However, I fully recognise that this is not a reflection of my employer and relates solely to external college provision. Without such a supportive and encouraging workplace environment, I do not believe I would have persevered with the programme to the extent that I have, and continue to do so.
I am inspired by my colleagues and have full confidence in my managers, who consistently demonstrate that they have my best interests at heart. This has reassured me that I am in the right environment to develop, learn, and succeed.
The support I have received from my employer has been particularly significant during important personal circumstances. This includes support throughout my ADHD diagnosis and subsequent medication titration, as well as compassionate support during a period of bereavement. I was given the flexibility and understanding needed to continue working effectively, while also being given the space to grieve with dignity. This support has had a very positive impact on both my wellbeing and my ability to perform in my role.
The only challenge I have experienced relates to the academic and college element of the programme, which has been difficult at times and not always a positive experience. However, I fully recognise that this is not a reflection of my employer and relates solely to external college provision. Without such a supportive and encouraging workplace environment, I do not believe I would have persevered with the programme to the extent that I have, and continue to do so.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed a broad range of new skills and significantly strengthened existing ones throughout my programme.
I have built strong technical skills through extensive daily use of Xero, carrying out bookkeeping, payroll processing, and compliance work, including preparing self‑assessment tax returns from start to finish and completing VAT returns. I have also developed confidence and accuracy in the use of supporting systems such as Hubdoc and Dext for document processing and coding, as well as Karbon Practice Management, which I use every day to manage tasks, deadlines, and workflow efficiently.
I regularly attend meetings with managers, which provide valuable opportunities to learn new skills, reflect on my progress, and gradually increase my level of responsibility. These discussions have helped me to develop professionally, improve my confidence, and add increasing value to the business.
In addition to routine work, I was given the freedom and trust to independently design and present a management report to my manager using tools of my choosing. I created a PowerPoint presentation bringing together Fathom analysis using Xero raw data, Square payment data, and payroll information, to produce a complete financial and operational analysis of the Hale barbershop. This work identified areas where performance was struggling and proposed practical solutions to improve results, significantly developing my analytical, presentation, and commercial awareness skills.
Although I am older than many of my colleagues, they have more experience within the role. This has created a positive and collaborative environment where we regularly share our respective experiences, learn from one another, and build each other up. This mutual exchange has strengthened my learning and contributed positively to the wider team.
Alongside technical development, I have continued to build my organisational, prioritisation, and time‑management skills, as well as my professional communication through regular interaction with colleagues and clients. Overall, the programme has enabled me to apply underpinning knowledge in a practical setting, take on increased responsibility, and continue developing with confidence on a day‑to‑day basis.
I have built strong technical skills through extensive daily use of Xero, carrying out bookkeeping, payroll processing, and compliance work, including preparing self‑assessment tax returns from start to finish and completing VAT returns. I have also developed confidence and accuracy in the use of supporting systems such as Hubdoc and Dext for document processing and coding, as well as Karbon Practice Management, which I use every day to manage tasks, deadlines, and workflow efficiently.
I regularly attend meetings with managers, which provide valuable opportunities to learn new skills, reflect on my progress, and gradually increase my level of responsibility. These discussions have helped me to develop professionally, improve my confidence, and add increasing value to the business.
In addition to routine work, I was given the freedom and trust to independently design and present a management report to my manager using tools of my choosing. I created a PowerPoint presentation bringing together Fathom analysis using Xero raw data, Square payment data, and payroll information, to produce a complete financial and operational analysis of the Hale barbershop. This work identified areas where performance was struggling and proposed practical solutions to improve results, significantly developing my analytical, presentation, and commercial awareness skills.
Although I am older than many of my colleagues, they have more experience within the role. This has created a positive and collaborative environment where we regularly share our respective experiences, learn from one another, and build each other up. This mutual exchange has strengthened my learning and contributed positively to the wider team.
Alongside technical development, I have continued to build my organisational, prioritisation, and time‑management skills, as well as my professional communication through regular interaction with colleagues and clients. Overall, the programme has enabled me to apply underpinning knowledge in a practical setting, take on increased responsibility, and continue developing with confidence on a day‑to‑day basis.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, my programme is well organised and structured, particularly within the workplace. My responsibilities and learning have increased in a clear and gradual way, allowing me to build confidence, competence, and consistency over time. I have regular catch‑ups and meetings with managers, which provide structure, guidance, and opportunities to review progress, set priorities, and take on further responsibility.
In addition, we hold daily team huddles, where each person discusses what they are working on that day. These huddles provide clarity, accountability, and a shared understanding of workloads and priorities across the team. They help to identify any support required early on and contribute positively to organisation, communication, and teamwork.
Day‑to‑day work is supported by clear systems and processes, including defined workflows, task management through Karbon, and open access to managers and colleagues when guidance is needed. This structure enables me to manage my time effectively and understand how my role contributes to the wider objectives of the business.
The workplace structure is also flexible where appropriate, allowing learning to take place alongside day‑to‑day work rather than in isolation, which I have found particularly effective for my development.
The main challenge within the programme has been the academic and college element, which I have found less well structured and, at times, difficult to navigate. This is separate from the workplace element, and my employer has remained consistently supportive throughout, helping to maintain stability and continuity.
Overall, the strong organisation, clear communication, and structured support within the workplace have played a key role in my progression and ongoing engagement with the programme.
In addition, we hold daily team huddles, where each person discusses what they are working on that day. These huddles provide clarity, accountability, and a shared understanding of workloads and priorities across the team. They help to identify any support required early on and contribute positively to organisation, communication, and teamwork.
Day‑to‑day work is supported by clear systems and processes, including defined workflows, task management through Karbon, and open access to managers and colleagues when guidance is needed. This structure enables me to manage my time effectively and understand how my role contributes to the wider objectives of the business.
The workplace structure is also flexible where appropriate, allowing learning to take place alongside day‑to‑day work rather than in isolation, which I have found particularly effective for my development.
The main challenge within the programme has been the academic and college element, which I have found less well structured and, at times, difficult to navigate. This is separate from the workplace element, and my employer has remained consistently supportive throughout, helping to maintain stability and continuity.
Overall, the strong organisation, clear communication, and structured support within the workplace have played a key role in my progression and ongoing engagement with the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a very high level of support from my employer. Support is continuous and provided both formally and informally on a day‑to‑day basis. I have regular meetings and catch‑ups with managers, where I am given guidance, feedback, and opportunities to discuss progress, development goals, and workload management. This support has helped me to steadily increase my responsibilities and confidence within the role.
On a daily level, support is reinforced through structured systems such as team huddles, clear workflows, and open communication, meaning help and clarification are always accessible when needed. Managers are approachable and encourage questions, learning, and reflection, which has been key to my development.
The support I have received has extended beyond purely technical or professional development. My employer has been extremely understanding and supportive during significant personal circumstances, including my ADHD diagnosis and subsequent medication titration, as well as during a period of bereavement. I was given flexibility, understanding, and the space needed to balance my wellbeing with my responsibilities at work, which allowed me to continue performing effectively while being supported personally.
Overall, I feel genuinely valued and supported by my employer. This level of trust, understanding, and encouragement has played a major role in my continued motivation, progression, and commitment to the programme.
On a daily level, support is reinforced through structured systems such as team huddles, clear workflows, and open communication, meaning help and clarification are always accessible when needed. Managers are approachable and encourage questions, learning, and reflection, which has been key to my development.
The support I have received has extended beyond purely technical or professional development. My employer has been extremely understanding and supportive during significant personal circumstances, including my ADHD diagnosis and subsequent medication titration, as well as during a period of bereavement. I was given flexibility, understanding, and the space needed to balance my wellbeing with my responsibilities at work, which allowed me to continue performing effectively while being supported personally.
Overall, I feel genuinely valued and supported by my employer. This level of trust, understanding, and encouragement has played a major role in my continued motivation, progression, and commitment to the programme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive support from my training provider; however, the most consistent and effective support in relation to the college element of my qualification has come through my employer. My manager plays a key role in liaising with the training provider on my behalf and ensuring that I feel represented, supported, and listened to.
She actively supports me in advocating for myself with the college, helping to raise concerns where needed and ensuring that my circumstances and needs are understood. This has been particularly important in navigating challenges within the academic side of the programme and has helped me feel less isolated when difficulties have arisen.
While the college element itself has been challenging at times, the advocacy and support provided by my manager have been invaluable in enabling me to continue progressing with my qualification and remain engaged with the programme.
She actively supports me in advocating for myself with the college, helping to raise concerns where needed and ensuring that my circumstances and needs are understood. This has been particularly important in navigating challenges within the academic side of the programme and has helped me feel less isolated when difficulties have arisen.
While the college element itself has been challenging at times, the advocacy and support provided by my manager have been invaluable in enabling me to continue progressing with my qualification and remain engaged with the programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
At present, I feel that the qualification itself has had a very limited impact on helping me perform better in my role. The majority of the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence I use day‑to‑day have been developed through my workplace experience and my own independent learning, rather than through the training provider.
Much of the “heavy lifting” in terms of skill development, application of knowledge, and progression has been driven by myself and strongly supported by my employer. The workplace environment has allowed me to apply learning in a practical, meaningful way, take on increased responsibility, and develop professionally at a pace aligned with the role.
While the qualification provides a framework, the academic delivery has not consistently translated into practical support for my role. As a result, my performance improvements have come primarily from hands‑on experience, managerial guidance, and self‑directed effort, rather than from the training provider content itself.
That said, I remain engaged with completing the qualification, largely due to the strength of the workplace support and opportunities to learn through real‑world application.
Much of the “heavy lifting” in terms of skill development, application of knowledge, and progression has been driven by myself and strongly supported by my employer. The workplace environment has allowed me to apply learning in a practical, meaningful way, take on increased responsibility, and develop professionally at a pace aligned with the role.
While the qualification provides a framework, the academic delivery has not consistently translated into practical support for my role. As a result, my performance improvements have come primarily from hands‑on experience, managerial guidance, and self‑directed effort, rather than from the training provider content itself.
That said, I remain engaged with completing the qualification, largely due to the strength of the workplace support and opportunities to learn through real‑world application.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are limited formal extra‑curricular activities within the workplace. Social activities mainly consist of occasional events such as a Christmas party and a summer get‑together, which provide opportunities to socialise and build relationships outside of day‑to‑day work.
There are also professional networking opportunities through an organisation called BNI (Business Network International). This involves participation in a weekly networking chapter and offers valuable exposure to wider business connections. At present, involvement in BNI is primarily for more senior colleagues, rather than at my current level, but it represents a potential future opportunity for professional development and networking as I progress.
There are also professional networking opportunities through an organisation called BNI (Business Network International). This involves participation in a weekly networking chapter and offers valuable exposure to wider business connections. At present, involvement in BNI is primarily for more senior colleagues, rather than at my current level, but it represents a potential future opportunity for professional development and networking as I progress.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Davenports Group Ltd to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend Davenports Group Ltd to a friend. I am genuinely proud to work here and feel strongly supported by the organisation. My time at Davenports has helped me to rebuild my confidence, restore my sense of purpose, and continue developing both personally and professionally.
The directors’ principles and values align very closely with my own, which creates an environment where I feel motivated, valued, and committed to doing my best work. The culture is supportive, respectful, and focused on development, making it a place where people are encouraged to grow and succeed.
Overall, Davenports Group Ltd has provided me with the trust, support, and opportunities needed to progress, and I am confident in recommending it as a positive and supportive place to work.
The directors’ principles and values align very closely with my own, which creates an environment where I feel motivated, valued, and committed to doing my best work. The culture is supportive, respectful, and focused on development, making it a place where people are encouraged to grow and succeed.
Overall, Davenports Group Ltd has provided me with the trust, support, and opportunities needed to progress, and I am confident in recommending it as a positive and supportive place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Davenports Group Ltd?
My main advice would be to be honest and authentic throughout your application, interview, and any presentations. Be clear about who you are, what you can bring to the business, and what you are hoping to gain from the role.
Be brave and do not underestimate yourself or undersell your strengths. Think carefully about the skills, experiences, and perspectives you can contribute, and communicate these with confidence. At the same time, be open about what you want from the business in terms of development, support, and opportunity.
Davenports values honesty, alignment of values, and willingness to learn, so approaching the process with openness, self‑belief, and clarity will put you in the strongest position.
Be brave and do not underestimate yourself or undersell your strengths. Think carefully about the skills, experiences, and perspectives you can contribute, and communicate these with confidence. At the same time, be open about what you want from the business in terms of development, support, and opportunity.
Davenports values honesty, alignment of values, and willingness to learn, so approaching the process with openness, self‑belief, and clarity will put you in the strongest position.
