Finance Analyst Review

I am a Finance analyst and work in Commercial Banking. I work in Financial control within the ACBS Dailies team. I run several reports, check for any fees or backdated NII transactions and investigate anything above materiality. I also have ownership of the FX sell down process which mitigates the risk of losses due to changing FX rates.

I am studying for a CIMA certificate alongside a diploma in business skills. As part of my diploma I have developed meeting/presentation skills, have a better understanding of how business and accounting practises are applied in the workplace and am now much more confident in my technical skills (Microsoft excel being the main tool used in my role.)

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme, it is challenging and I feel that I am already contributing well in my team. There are opportunities to cross skill and learn about what other's do in their roles and my line manager is very supportive of my development. The team I work in was put together relatively recently, and I feel that through team building activities and social events we are now working much more collaboratively and know each others strengths and weaknesses.

My line manager provides feedback on how well I am doing regularly, and will pass on any feedback from senior management. I am very happy with my end of year scorecard results and feel that the hard work I put in is recognised. Within our team, every morning we recognise our successes from the previous day, so when you have completed a task well or gone out of your way to help someone, you do get the recognition for it.

Overall I would say the programme is relatively well structured. Communication from the members of staff who are in charge of the apprenticeship scheme could be more frequent, as sometimes I feel we're not kept completely in the loop. Our study material was late for CIMA which meant we had our first two lectures before we got the books, and no one got in touch to discuss this which I thought was quite unprofessional. I have regular catch ups with my "buddy" which I think is a good system to have in place.

My coursework advisor is [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], who I cannot fault what so ever. She provides detailed feedback and advice and always aims to respond as quickly as she can to emails. She is very accommodating and understanding. Our tutor for the live online sessions was very knowledgeable and happy to repeat things or pause to give us extra time if necessary.

I have a weekly one to one with my line manager where I can bring up anything I am struggling with or suggest ideas for things I feel may be beneficial. He has a lot of experience in the bank and I feel I can be open and honest with him. My senior manager is equally as professional, helpful and supportive of my development.

For being an apprentice, my salary is very good and covers my cost of living reasonable comfortably.

I have taken part in a charity day "Cash for Kids" where we sorted Christmas gifts for under-privileged children and will be attending another at an animal sanctuary this Summer. We have regular team lunches/activities such as badminton, bowling, drinks etc. As a company Lloyds also hold regular "Town hall" meetings where the whole of Commercial Banking in Edinburgh attend.

Yes

Working at Lloyds is am excellent environment for developing new skills and they are very accommodating and supportive of personal development within the group.

The Higher apprenticeship scheme is a brilliant opportunity for people who don't want to or couldn't go to University, just go for it!