Finance Apprentice Review

I am a finance apprentice and currently in the UK P2P department (essentially accounts payable).My daily tasks include processing payments and dealing with internal queries. In this role I do not deal with external vendors directly. I have been involved in projects to develop new processes and ways of working. My responsibilities include identifying any reasons for the team not meeting the target on the amount of not paid invoices which are overdue.

As part of the apprenticeship I am studying for CIMA which gives me the opportunity to learn new things. I have been able to learn some new skills in this role, one of these is relating to excel as I now use functions/formulae that I had not previously encountered. I have also been able to develop my existing skills such as presenting, as I have had the opportunity to go to schools and colleges and talk to students about the apprenticeship.

I enjoy my programme, however there are always some downsides with working and studying at the same time. The team I work with are great and really supportive. They are always willing to help and are understanding that I also have exams and coursework to complete on top of my work. GSK is a great company to work for and the culture can be felt in my day to day work. Everyone thinks about the company on a wider scale than just the team they are in.

I feel valued by GSK and they have a lot of opportunities to be recognised. I have received a STAR award this year which is recognised in the P2P townhall and I was nominated for by one of our customers. I have also received good feedback from customers and my manager. Anytime I have been involved in something I feel that the other team members have been interested in my views and valued my contribution.

My programme is reasonably well organised. We have had some issues as the person overseeing the finance apprentices moved onto another role and there was a delay in the replacement. However my induction covered all the basics or what I needed for my role. I have been offered and participated in a lot of training, and there is a lot of support from my manager and the rest of my team. I have study leave for exams which is really useful and helps ensure I have enough time to complete studying and my work. I have also had support from the other apprentices which has been really useful.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. I have an assessor whom I have a meeting with once a month (sometimes in person or sometimes on a call). It is easy to contact her if I have any issues or queries. I also feel like we are making good progress.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is really supportive of my studying but also helps with my development related to work and in a personal capacity. We had some issues with the person overseeing the apprentices leaving, but now that there is a replacement I feel like I have enough support. She provides support with the current activities of the apprenticeship but also helps to think about how I would like to progress in the future.

I live at home with my parents so currently my outgoings are not that high with regards to rent etc., my salary covers my necessary expenditure such as travel to work and the running of my car. I also have enough money to pay my optional outgoings such as phone bill and I am part of a gym. I still manage to put some money into savings each month.

There are also some opportunities outside of work. There is a community of other GSK apprentices and IP students for which events are organised. There are lots of company events and charity fundraising events which I have the opportunity to go to.

Yes

GSK is a great company to work for, they are understanding to your needs as an individual as well as the needs of the company. They are supportive in helping you develop and as it is such a big company there are lots of opportunities to move around and build a career for yourself.

My advice to any others applying is to definitely go for it, and to not be put off by the application process. There are a few steps - the application, interview and assessment centre but none of it is as scary as you might think. The important thing is to relax and be yourself, and to make sure that this is the best option for you.