Finance Apprentice Review

My role is to process supplier invoices and make sure that they receive payment on time. On a day-to-day basis I add new invoices to our accounting system, answer supplier queries and sort any issues that come up during the processing of invoices. On a weekly basis I conduct two different types of stock checks and once a year take part in the WIP stock count.

Recently I have been learning new skills with my colleague, like how to conduct payment runs and process employee expenses. I am constantly developing my existing skills as well, eg. in our accounting softwares and in Excel.

I have been really enjoying the course, I already enjoy learning, so it has been very beneficial. I would say that doing an apprenticeship allows you to be more independent as a learner, which I like.

I get the freedom to choose what dates I start each module and what date I take each exam, which is so helpful because some people might need more or less time than others to get through a certain module, therefore this allows people to do the apprenticeship at their own pace. I only have to select the dates and then my college handles the booking process, so it is very simple.

My employer has been amazing throughout this whole process. For example, when I failed the professional discussion for my Level 3 Apprenticeship my managers were immediately asking what they could do to help. The Financial Controller at my company helped by scheduling a meeting with me to go through what I struggled with and to help me improve for my resit.

I love that BPP respond to my emails extremely quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. They are always so accommodating with whatever query I have.

I feel that the training I receive helps me to better understand what I do in my role and also what my colleagues in finance do. For example learning about the AAT Codes of Conduct, helped me to better understand the segregation of duty rules that I have to abide by in my role.

There are many opportunities to get involved with extra-curriculars at work. Our HR team organise a day out for everyone to enjoy every year, eg. last year it was a trip to Harry Potter Studios in London. Our wellbeing Team regularly organise events too eg. a couple weeks ago some employees went Go Karting together. Employees are encouraged to vote or place suggestions for what they would like to do.

Yes

It is genuinely a really nice environment to work in, everyone is really friendly and always happy to help. Most importantly all employees are treated fairly.

As much as my company values that you have good skills and qualifications, I think what they most value is that you are passionate about the job you are applying for. When I applied for my job here I had no experience, I had not even finished my GCSEs yet when I was accepted, others that applied were university graduates. So it just goes to show what my company values.