Commercial Finance Apprentice Review

I am currently working as a commercial finance apprentice, on a daily basis I am learning new ways of carrying out tasks. My daily tasks consists of reporting on forecasts and budget data to out commercial teams. On a weekly basis I complete a weekly reporting file, this is sent out every Monday morning which gives our commercial teams an insight on how there accounts have performed against forecast/budget in relation to the previous week. my responsibilities including setting up costs, providing reporting training to commercial and supporting out commercial controllers as well as undergoing other tasks on a regular basis.

Throughout my time here at Tulip I have developed various skills and developed as an individual. I have developed my communication skills further, as I came from straight from sixth form into a working environment therefore, the development of emailing, Skype and other communication methods had developed. I have taken training here at my local head office to be a fire warden for my site, I am fully qualified in this role. Furthermore I have been a part of City and Guilds Group, where I have chosen to be part of promoting apprenticeships in my local area. This has been a good way of learning how apprenticeships have not only helped me develop as a person but also for others who have jobs in other sectors. After having spent 3 months in each financial department here at Tulip's head office I was able to develop a further understanding of the company and the processes which take place. I feel now being in a permanent role in commercial finance, nearly coming up the end of my Level 4 apprenticeship this has been a personal achievement as I have always wanted to experiencing accountancy and I feel Tulip has offered me this.

I have really enjoyed the programme as I have been given many opportunities whilst being an apprentice. Also, the work I have learnt and still learning I have enjoyed the challenging times, at times I have felt I have needed support this has always been available to me. In addition to the above I have also enjoyed the qualification that I have been undertaken as a part of my apprenticeship scheme, my aim was to have it completely within 18months as I have the flexibility up to 24months and didn't want to take this long in completing my course.

Recently I attended an apprentice awards ceremony, where I was awarded higher apprentice of the year, after been given this award I felt I was valued as an apprentice, as a reflection was made on all the time I have used my imitative and supported Tulip. On a regular basis I have a one to one with my manager where we discuss my work flow ect this also means a lot because, the time my team put into me to ensure I achieve my potential. My finance director always gives me tasks where at times I am emailing senior people within Tulip this has been recognized by them and feedback was given in my apprentice view. I feel I am a highly valued employer at Tulip where I am always given opportunities to develop myself further.

My programme is very well structured, I have regularly meetings with my assessor to set myself targets on assignments that need to be completed which provides me regular support if needed. I also have review meetings every three months to discuss how I am getting on in and to set further targets within the work place.

My tutor is always available on email and the phone if I have any queries that I need to address before our next meeting. Also when we have our meetings I feel I am supported always with my problems, if I want to get the course completed and be dedicated my tutor always supports me by having marked my assignments to provide me feedback on the next time we meet.

I am fully supported by Tulip, I am given time if needed to complete my assignments, my manger is understanding when I have to be in meetings with my assessor and I can be up to three hours at times. Furthermore HR have always supported me as an apprentice which an queries or concerns I may have in regards to reception cover they have been accommodating and understanding.

My salary meets my costs currently, when I first started on minimum wage I felt this was a bit low but I have support from my parents therefore this wasn't a problem. I don't pay for any living costs at home and I don't live far which means my costs aren't that much in comparison to other apprentices. The salary covers my social costs and other monthly outgoings I have, still leaving me with enough for disposable income.

I have recently been part of City and Guilds Group this was a great opportunity to learn how to promote apprenticeships. I attend the gym outside of work during the evenings. There are always opportunities to volunteer in local support to our school in the area where walks and other events are organized.

Yes

I would recommend Tulip to a friend, as they are a great company to work for providing you with many opportunities. They also recognize and value you as an employer by offering support, awards for times like this. Also Tulip is a great organization for apprenticeships as they offer full time employment once your apprentice scheme has finished, and further education I am now looking to go onto my AAT which is an accountancy qualification.

I would advice others applying at Tulip to bring many of your experiences as a person to Tulip as they take an interest in this. Also it is important to discuss what you can bring to Tulip as an individual and to include this in your application process, always research about the company to develop an understanding before your interview takes place.