ICT Trading Partner Analyst Review

My role is ICT Trading Partner Analyst. The responsibilities of my role include submitting volumes over the month end period to ensure our financial reporting is correct. This goes into our Intercompany Tracking System (ICT), the purpose of this system is to monitor transactions between the different entities within GSK. I am also responsible for investigating any issues causes variances on the profit released or profit held in stock, i.e. the standard costs and transfer prices. I work in an immediate team of 5 but have interactions with many other teams to be able to resolve issues.

I am studying towards the CIMA professional qualification, and have passed two exams so far. This helps me to develop the necessary technical skills for my role and prepare me for other roles in the future. I have been on an internal training course on the CERPS/SAP system. This helped me to develop general skills in manoeuvring around the system and also some more specific transactions for my role. As part of carrying out my role I have also been able to improve my problem solving skills as this is a key requirement in my day to day work.

I enjoy my program as it gives me the best opportunity in terms of being able to study and spend time on my development as well as getting the work experience. I have a really supportive manager and team around me, who are keen to see me succeed and there is always a positive vibe in the team. GSK is a great company to work for, there a lot of opportunities to develop your career but also get involved in things not related to your day job. I am part of a working group that helps to organise events for the building which is enjoyable.

I feel valued at GSK as the culture we have encourages feedback from colleagues. It is good to discuss progress in one to ones with my manager and he is appreciative and gives me good feedback on my performance. Within GSK we also have star awards and star recognition emails. These make you feel appreciated and recognise the good work you have done. I feel valued by my colleagues as they will often ask for my assistance or ask me to get involved in things they are working on, showing that they value my input.

This programme is still quite new as I am now doing a Level 7 apprenticeship. I have previously done a Level 4 apprenticeship at GSK. I have had meeting with my learning provider to outline the different stages over the apprenticeship and what it involves. This has been useful in seeing how the apprenticeship is structured including development days as well as the courses for the CIMA exams.

Support from my training provider is really great. As part of my studying I have access to My Kaplan, so as well as the online lectures I have other videos and resources. I can also contact my tutor, or if I need something more urgently I can use a function where more than one tutor can reply. I also have a talent coach as part of my apprenticeship to monitor my progress who I will have reviews with.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is encouraging of my development and is there when I need to have chats about the future and my progress. I also have a lot of supportive colleagues around me in my team, they are understanding of me having time for my studying during work hours. They are also there if I have any questions.

My salary meets my costs well, I am fortunate to be living at home with my parents still so do have less expenses than someone who was living on their own. I live close to my office so my travel costs are also quite small. I have enough money that I am able to do the things I want and buy the things I need as well as being able to save for the future. The package is also good as there are other benefits not just salary, i.e. health insurance and share schemes.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in things outside of work. As I have mentioned I am part of a working group at GSK which involves organising social events for the building. Recent events include a virtual reality day, murder mystery and escape room. GSK as part of health and wellbeing also runs yoga classes in the office at lunch time which you can get involved in. We also have team social events, this year we have been bowling. The company also has a link with the local gym which I have joined.

Yes

I would recommend GSK to a friend as it is an enjoyable place to work. As it is a big company there are always so many opportunities for development, and you can easily move into roles that will expand your knowledge base and skillset. The apprenticeships at GSK are a great opportunity to carry on learning and studying but also getting the on the job experience. There is also a wider apprentice network as GSK has apprentices based at lots of sites doing different jobs.

The advice I would give someone applying to GSK is to be confident in yourself. For interviews and assessment days I would say some key advice is just to let your personality come through. They are never as bad as you think it will be! It is also good to use the assessment days as a chance to network and show that you can work well with others.