Finance Assistant Review

I am a Finance Assistant in the stock accounting team. My role entails general admin duties on a weekly and monthly basis, as well as more niche areas of the stocktake process. I look after pharmacy stocktakes, ensuring that stocktake results for pharmacies in stores are as accurate as they can be. I also help to create stock take results for the retail side of the business, as well as producing reporting to advise warehouse colleagues of their performance.

My orgasnisation skills are definitely tested within this role as there is a large amount of paperwork which must be kept up to date, and is also reviewed regularly by various members of the business, meaning it must be usable at all times. I have also developed my skills on various programmes such as microsoft excel, and learnt some more technical attributes of financial accounting, such as basic accounting standards and how to process journals.

I really enjoy it. I think that two years is the perfect amount of time to complete the qualification and get to know two different areas of the business. The way the programme is structured with work and stufy time is good and I am enjoying every aspect of the programme. I feel valued as an apprentice and like time is made for me.

I do not feel any different because I am an apprentice, i feel like any other colleague - my opinions, feelings and work is valued. people do not see me as different or any less able because I am an apprentice. I also think that both line managers I have had, and the finance apprentice lead, have been great. They are eager to make sure I have enough time to do both college and job role work, and are always there for support if I need anything at all.

We have an afternoon each week to complete our college work which i think is enough time to get it completed and to stay on track. These afternoons are made up of independent work which we can do at work or at home, taught class sessions and one to one support, meaning there is an option for every type of learner. We also have regular meetings with our college tutor to ensure we are happy and on track.

We have monthly class sessions where we receive a lesson/lecture from our tutor. We can then stay afterwards for extra support if needed. She is also available at all times via phone or email, or on certain days in person. if we need any support we are encouraged to contact her or go and see her for support. She is also available in our lecture room each Thursday for drop-in sessions. We also have regular recorded discussions to help towards our course progression.

The support I receive from Boots is great. The line managers I have had so far on the programme have both been so supportive, putting in regular meetings and catch-ups to ensure I am getting on OK. They are keen to ensure I have enough time to get college work done; it is great to know me having my afternoon off to do college work is totally accepted and encouraged by my manager. If I ever need anything I can have a chat or put in a meeting with them. The HR team has also provided great support, setting up away days with the rest of the apprentice cohort, which are always fun.

I think the salary package is good. I have seen apprenticeships with much lower salaries, but also some higher apprenticeships with higher ones, so would say this is in the middle. However for me, the location of Boots, so close to where I live, is ideal, and parking is not expensive. i also love the fact that we can buy extra holiday and the discount is great too.

Yes, there are always team days going on in immediate and wider teams. these can be on or offsite. i have also been for meals at lunch time or after work with colleagues. There has also been a ball which i attended on a Saturday night. There is the opportunity to join the gym and sports clubs if you want to. There is also always a lot of opportunity to get involved in charity projects with people you may not normally work with.

Yes

Everyone I have met at Boots has been really kind and supportive, and wanting to help me do well. The opportunities for progression are great because it is such a big company and you never know what you may end up doing. There is always the opportunity to stretch yourself. The Boots site is also a really nice place to work.

Be yourself- Boots want to see a genuinely passionate person. If you are kind, smiley and genuine, with a good attitude and always willing to try your best, then you will go far. You don't need to put on a business-front - be professional, but be yourself! Show that you're an individual and not just following the crowd. Also be prepared for an intense assessment centre, but remember it's a great experience which will benefit you in the future, whatever happens on the day.