Finance Support Apprentice Review

Finance Support Apprentice Responsible for works cost finance support Apprentice duties associated with contract with both Stoke Schools and Stoke Staffs Fire and Rescue. Must be focused on customer care with a “can do” attitude with the flexibility and adaptability to be a team member in a changing business environment. Experience of working within a high profile, customer focused environment in addition to commercial and financial awareness including understanding contractual requirements. Fundamental aspects of the role include; cost capturing through the use of the internal Maximo system & available SAP reports, liaising with the supplier/sub contractor as well as site staff, assisting in batching of monthly gas & water charges, reviewing open purchase orders older than 6 months, receipting, invoice matching, reviewing all outstanding invoices, assisting with support with month end billing where required and also providing • Assisting with WIP and debt • Vandalism – schedules and billing • Assisting working of open P.O’s • Assistance with SSFRA – financial • Assist in Energy and water indexation (forecast and firming) • Energy invoice recharging • Assist in Potential financial integration of extra works (works outside the PFI estate) • Monitoring of gas, electricity and water charges on the PFI estate

Facilities Management experience Understanding of Billing process Experience in a Finance background Ability to work to tight deadlines in a project and changing environment, communicating across all levels, expectation to work on own initiative, time management and organisational skills. versatility and adaptability, reacting to changing customer and business requirements. Taking on responsibility for new initiatives as dictated by the business or internal management.

As this was my first work placement I was not entirely sure on what to expect from the role and course. However I have enjoyed the responsibilities given to me and the working environment which I have been part of during my time so far as my team and the entire office are very welcoming.

I receive plenty of projects to work on and receive feedback and praise from the management which does provide a sense of appreciation. Invitation to the apprentice awards event in London and being awarded as the Healthcare and Education Apprentice of the Year also made me feel like my effort were being valued by the company.

Organisation structure has not always been brilliant as there were long periods of time when the structure of management was not obvious and I wasn't aware of exactly who I needed to be reporting in to, however since then the structure has been revamped and the hierarchy and delegation of tasking is working efficiently.

Tutors are always available to contact if any support is needed to explain or topic or work through example questions if I am struggling. College provides study text books and example questions in order to aid with revision and will offer any assistance when working through them as necessary in order to make sure I am confident with the topic.

Plenty of support from finance business partners and management if there are any issues with work that I have to do, study leave is readily available if I need it also in the build up to exams with my course if needed to revise and build confidence before taking the exam.

Salary has gradually increased over the course of my apprenticeship to abide by minimum wage laws and is sufficient to cover any expenses as well as savings. However compared to the workload and responsibilities I feel like it could be higher, as an apprentice though I am not expecting it to be too high until my qualifications are finished.

As mentioned above, the Apprentice Awards were a great chance to meet various members of the wider business including various levels of senior management which allowed myself to be introduced to a larger scale of management. Other than this, however there have not been any particular examples of company activities out side of the workplace that I can think of.

Yes

The on boarding process of new employees can be strenuous and long winded as since being successful in my interview there was a substantial delay until I could start working, however being part of the company I feel secure in my role and am happy with what I have to do and would be happy to recommend Engie as an employer.

The on boarding process of new employees can be strenuous and long winded as since being successful in my interview there was a substantial delay until I could start working, however being part of the company I feel secure in my role and am happy with what I have to do and would be happy to recommend Engie as an employer.