Accounting and Tax Technician Apprentice Review

My role is never the same. It changes so frequently and my managers do this as they want me to have as much exposure to finance and the real world of business rather than being in the background. I have partaken in tasks within Revenue Assurance and Accounts Receivable so far. I have interacted with internal managers and problems we may be facing and have spoken to clients externally to resolve issues as well. The programme itself offers so many different aspects of finance and preps you far in advance for a role in Finance Business Partnering. However with these roles exams are a fundamental aspect of the course. On a day-to-day basis I will study or my CIMA exams whilst completing my regular activities at work. The role itself forces you to take a huge level of responsibility as you are faced with problems the business need raising and sorting and you are placed within some of the businesses most functional areas where adding value is imperative.

Prior to joining TfL my knowledge in IT, Finance and client interaction were particularly limited to the classroom as I had come straight from college. However I have now been at TfL for just over six months and have developed huge interpersonal skills on how to tailor my approach to clients needs and analyse situation in a professional way so that I can approach with the correct technique and ensure value is added. I have been trained in IT heavily and know how to use the core software correctly and to the most effective way. I have also been developing techniques to ensure correct time management, Client pitch, analyses of excel and raw financial data are completed in a way to add the most value to the company. I have also been studying CIMA Certified (Level 4) as part of the scheme. These exams teach you the fundamentals of finance and accountancy and prepare you for that role in Business Partnering. The level of support TfL offer is immense and you always know who to go to for advice and guidance and your line managers will always make themselves free for you. During your placements I can guarantee extra training opportunities will be made available to you such as Six Sigma which is core focused on adding value and creating high levels of efficiency for business and within Finance in whatever role you may find yourself in.

I absolutely love the scheme the level of exposure you get to Finance is huge. The responsibility I hold is far more than I had ever imagined especially being only 18! The way in which you work and develop your skills to that of a high level really does prep you for a successful career in finance. Teamwork is a large culture within TfL and you can always go to someone for help as I have done many times.

I feel incredibly valued at TfL everyone makes an effort to talk to you and involve you whenever they can. They talk to you and treat you like a professional not an apprentice. My line managers are always supporting me and asking me if they can help me in my studies and have allowed me days off to study. They also meet you very frequently to discuss any concerns and anything you want done. They will try their best to help you with work and studies. The teams I have worked in have praised me and have helped me in completion of my tasks. TfL also offer rewards for apprentices and if you work hard these rewards can become a reality for you. You're treated with such high standard and everyday I come to work proud of what I do and do not in any way feel undervalued.

The programme is incredibly well structured. Your first year is within FSC (Financial Service Centre) consisting of three placements. Each placement is four months long. The placements are in Revenue Assurance, Accounts receivable/Cash allocation and General Ledger. After this you have a five week station operations placement. Upon completion of this you then have two final placements in Business Partnering being five and six months long. After this, if you are successful in completing the apprenticeship to a high standard and impress you should be getting full time job offers prepping you for that successful career within the Finance Industry.

Our training provider is BPP and their support is incredibly good. The tutors will constantly email you asking if they can help you and if you both can find the time they do not have a problem meeting up with you after work. I have been struggling with one exam for a couple of months and my tutor has met up with me on several occasions to help and offers Skype and texting so that he can help me.

My employer is hugely supportive of my role and my studies. I have been study days by my managers to prep for my exams. I have been helped with my studies at work by colleagues who are accountants. They all want me to succeed in my exams and will allow me time at work to study and will try to help me whenever possible. In addition HR also send me emails asking for recommendations on how to improve the scheme which I find incredibly empowering. The level of support is huge and someone is always accessible to you, whether it be past apprentices, managers or colleagues someone is always there to help you with anything work or study related.

The salary is extremely competitive and does meet my costs. As I live in Crawley a yearly ticket to all London Terminals would normally cost me thousands (£). However TfL give you 75% off the normal ticket price and when in London they give you a staff Oyster Card. I can live comfortably with the salary and in the future it is projected to get even higher.

We have had away days to encourage team work, Six Sigma training days to help us become more efficient and professional at work. You have your college days for CIMA. In addition I always receive emails about networking events, apprentice events, financial team building events. The opportunities are there for you. I believe any opportunity opens a door later on in life so take as may as you can.

Yes

The scheme is one of the most recognised apprenticeships and you can hold a credible name to your CV. The level of exposure you get builds up your financial and interpersonal skills to progress up the financial rankings. The future possibilities you are presented to as a result's of you studying CIMA are huge. In addition there is the possibility of going on to do Level 7 CIMA. If you get through this with TfL helping you, you would be a fully qualified accountant and could potentially become a Finance Director later on in life. For me the biggest s3elling points of the scheme is the level of exposure to business, future opportunities and networking within the financial sector.

When applying to work for TfL be yourself and structure all your responses around TfL's core competencies. They want someone with that drive and passion for the field. If you think you've got what it takes to become TfL's apprentice and get that finance business partnering role in later life go in full force with confidence. If you show them you're willing to learn and are enthusiastic with studies and the field and can present your answers in a financial way I have no doubt in your success. Best of luck!