Assistant Accountant Apprentice Review

I am working in the Investment Bank and UK CFO team within Finance. I am rotating around the department at the moment to gain an insight into the roles of different people within the team. Currently, I am working in Business Management to look at the headcounts, forecasting and costs. I am also working in CCS learning how to independently work to complete the weekly and monthly reports which help provide a summary to be looked at by managers.

I have learnt a large numbers of skills whilst working at UBS. Firstly, I have become a lot more confident, for example when I first started I was afraid to say anything in meetings in case I said something wrong but now I feel more confident to give my insight on topics I have been working on. Whilst at UBS I have been completing accountancy exams so have learnt so much more about finance in general which has help me in my day to day tasks.

I am really enjoying my apprenticeship at UBS! Everyday I learn or experience something new which makes work really enjoyable. I am rotating around three different departments meaning everyday is different and I am learning so much about the teams I am working in and their roles within Finance. I also love working with the people in my team, everyone is extremely helpful and friendly and this support is amazing to have when you have little experience of working in a finance role.

I feel very valued at UBS which is great especially when I am so new. I am involved in most tasks within my team , even if I am not completing any work for a particular project I am still involved in meetings just to get an insight into what my team are working on and to greater my knowledge. When I am involved in projects I am given active roles which really allows me to get involved and give my insight on particular topics.

Our program at UBS is well structured and organised however it can be adapted if needed to suit the apprentice which is great. All UBS apprentices know exactly when their exams are and when they are allowed time off to study for these allowing us to plan revision and work around college. Within our teams we were also told who we would be working with and when which I found helpful.

When we attend college we are supported and guided well by the tutors which makes our exams easier and less stressful. Our tutors are always contactable throughout exams periods so if you ever have a questions it is easy to quickly get an answer. We are also given a learning coach who comes to see how we getting on at the office and reviews with us how our apprenticeship is going. However our learning coach looks after a lot of apprentices so isn't always quick to respond to queries.

I receive plenty of support from my employers, my team and manager are very supportive and are always there to help me if I need it. I also have a mentor and a buddy who were both graduates at UBS so they have been in a similar position to me. This means they are able to give me advice and help if I ever needed it. I have regular meetings with my manager, buddy and mentor so there is always someone I can speak to if I have any problems.

My salary meets my costs very well and I am able to pay for everything I need to for someone my age. This covers my travel everyday even though I live over an hour from the office, living costs and also social costs so I can afford to go out with work but also with friends outside of work as well.

Yes there are a very large amount of events outside of work to get involved with. This includes volunteering where there are several opportunities to work closely with schools in the local area. Several company events also take place which gives everyone a chance to network and meet more people around the bank in a more relaxed environment. There are also chances to get involved in various networks and working groups across the bank.

Yes

UBS is an amazing place to work. The thing I love most about working at UBS are the people I work with, everyone is so helpful and friendly and the support is amazing to have especially when you are an apprentice with little experience! This support is amazing and makes the apprenticeship a lot more enjoyable! The second thing I love most about working for UBS is the office, the facilities we have are outstanding and I feel so lucky to come here every day for work! I also love working for a world renowned company with such a good reputation. I would definitely recommend UBS!

In terms of the interviewing process I would say make sure you come prepared. It is a good idea to research the UBS values and think of situations where you have used integrity for example as this will really help. Also ensure you know a lot about UBS and what the bank does. If you are successful and do get an apprentice at UBS make sure you are enthusiastic and ask lots of questions, this will mean you are engaged and will help you to learn and understand a lot more about the company, your team and your role.