Tax Accounts & Controls Review

I am part of the Tax department in JP Morgan Bournemouth and my job role is to oversee accounts and complete control tasks for the department. I am the only individual to be doing my job which is an exciting amount of responsibility and I am still learning 7 months in!

Not only have I learnt new skills socially, for example talking to large clients and networking with senior management, but also I have been introduced to many new systems and technology that I can use everyday without struggling. Also, I am studying for a few exams relative to the financial industry which I learn at home but can then apply that knowledge within the workplace.

I have met so many people, apprentices and colleagues, which is such a benefit considering I moved to Bournemouth not knowing anyone. I enjoy this social side very much and we are looked after very well by our mentors, personally and in work/studying. I like the fact our lectures are online yet still interactive, so the session is recorded and we can refer back to it whenever we want.

From the program I think JP Morgan are really taking an interest in the younger generation and providing as much opportunity as possible - not just by offering the apprenticeship but during my time here I have been offered so many talks and mentoring sessions about progression and mobility within the company I feel they value our career progression from day one. We are still employees, being younger doesn't change that; if anything we are more valued for a fresh mind!

I think the balance of structure in terms of working full-time and studying has been thoroughly planned and it has paid off very well. We are told the structure of our 18 months straight away and updates are sent out very often as a reminder. The program is very well organized with email notifications for our lectures, maintenance on who attends the lectures, information updates on our exams etc. There is an overall relaxed/comforted feeling from my side as I know what I am doing, when I'm doing it and who I can contact for concerns.

Our training provider is always available via email or telephone; any questions before, during and after our lectures/exams are answered so that we all understand. BPP also come into JP Morgan after our lectures have finished to recap face-to-face the past 5 weeks, the session is well structured and informative. All the materials provided are very helpful towards revision and definitely help in passing the exams.

The Schools Team are fantastic on providing us with support on a personal level, in work and for the studying. I know I can contact them and there will be an immediate response with what I needed and more - they are also very social with us which is a bonus! Regarding my team, they are all very helpful whenever I am unsure how to do something or if there is a problem that I don't know how to fix. I feel part of the team which is always good!

Well it is currently March and I have had 2 snowboarding holidays in 2016 so far! Obviously I had previous savings that helped, but I didn't want to dip into them too much as I am saving for a new car and the income even after my rent & bills still didn't make me have to take out much! Rent and bills are definitely a shock at 18 but so rewarding when you're still retaining money from your salary rather than building up debt for 4 years at university (not that I'm bias).

There are so many clubs and sports teams you can join under the JP Morgan name. I have recently signed for the cycling teams that ride for fun and I know many of the guys on the apprenticeship are part of the football teams, playing games weekly. There are also groups within JP Morgan that are all about improving the working environment and these are ran by EDs & MDs who more than want your help with the groups. You are introduced to a who new network which builds up your value in the company as well as getting to know other areas of the business that you could want to experience in the future.

Yes

JP Morgan as a company values it's employees above all; they understand that without work ethic there will be no work and try to improve everyday for that purpose. Whether it be a dress-down Friday or improvement to large systems used globally to make it more user-friendly changes are made in the interest of the employees. As an apprentice you are no different, if anything you have an added quality of being a new mind in the works. All aspects of the apprenticeship benefit you short and long term.

Be the type of person you would want working for you; be approachable, open-minded and adaptive to anything that comes your way. Every workplace wants a mature and confident person on their team so let that shine through.