Management Accountant Apprentice Review

Management Accountant Apprentice working in the finance function. I support Cost Base accounting which involves preparing review packs each month of actual costs in Business Management functions, which I then review with the budget holder in each area (usually a director). I also prepare a utilisation report for a whole business unit which is then used for reviewing purposes. I communicate frequently with budget holders internally, but have little communication outside of the business.

I am working towards my CIMA Certificate which is a level 4 qualification. I have attended a first aid training course and I am now a qualified first aider.

Work is challenging and there seems to be new challenged daily. I am pushed to get the best out of me which is great, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. My current Cost Base team is very small with just 3 employees including myself however we frequently engage with the rest of the finance team which is 40+ employees. The apprenticeship has turned out to be something I did not expect it would, I do not feel like an apprentice, more of a full time employee which I think will help me going forwards with the experience.

I don't feel like I add a lot of value to the business at all. Perhaps being an apprentice I do not get a lot of respect from other colleagues, but I would like to have my opinion valued more often.

It has not been very well structured, I think due to the fact that my site has not had a finance apprentice for a number of years and therefore did not know how to 'deal' with me. In the beginning there was not a lot of information about training and expectations of m as an apprentice. However, now that the finance team have a few new apprentices, I can see this has improved hugely.

My training provider has been great in supporting me. Whether it be a stupid question about exam booking or concerns about meeting a deadline, they are always willing to help and provide guidance.

I get support to do my exams and get time to attend my CIMA courses however I don't feel I get enough support to carry out my assignment work and learn on the job. I would love to have clearer guidelines of what support the business should provide.

It provides enough to pay for my car and petrol. There is not enough to live away from home and therefore I continue to live with my parents. I can afford a holiday once a year. The area I live isn't particularly expensive so food, eating out etc isn't prohibitive.

There has been a couple opportunities outside of my day job which I have been able to take part in however there hasn't been a great support in managing my work load to focus time and effort onto these projects.

Yes

General culture, particular in other functions is great. There are a lot of opportunities to grow and develop if you want them, I perhaps would just like to have had a smoother journey my self on my apprenticeship, however I know this is improving with other apprentices.

Be aware that there may be a number of months before you join the business due to security screening. Keep an eye out on the BAE website for vacancies and get in touch with employees on LinkedIn so they could maybe refer you. You'd be surprised how many of your friends and family have some connection to BAE systems