Finance Analyst Review

I work as a Finance Analysis in the Stores Finance team. Some of my responsibilities include monitoring the departments inbox by replying to queries or forwarding them on to the appropriate department, sending out daily trackers monitoring sales for new products launched, producing weekly reports for No7 tracking their performance and setting budgets for new stores.

I have developed a huge range of skills while working at Boots. I have become more outgoing, learnt how to use and become confident in excel and SAP and as a team we organise team days where we develop personal skills and learn more about each other to become more efficient at working together. As part of the apprenticeship programme I am studying for an NVQ and BTEC in Business Administration. Our lectures cover a wide range of business skills including how to communication within a business and how to develop a presentation. These lectures are conveniently delivered on site, weekly during work hours.

The Stores Finance is a very friendly, supportive and active team to be part of. We go for weekly runs and enjoy regular team days and lunches together. I find my work interesting and enjoy the responsibilities I am given. I am also looking forward to the further development opportunities Boots will provide me with in the future. So far the apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations and really enjoy coming to work each day!

My colleagues at Boots are always very polite and grateful for any tasks I compete to help them. During my weekly one-to-ones with my line manager he is always very encouraging and positive highlighting my achievement and also my areas for development. The team are always keen to involve me with tasks which have recently included producing a ‘pack’ for the MD of Boots.

The programme at Boots is very structured. We completed 4 weeks in a Boots store before starting in head office. We have weekly lectures on a Thursday afternoons and then once these lectures have been delivered we can spend the rest of the afternoon completing any assessments set for us. I have weekly one-to-ones with my line manager and weekly huddles with my team. I also have a mentor who has completed the apprenticeship scheme and therefore able to help me and answer my questions.

Our lecturer was available to support us on Thursday afternoons and also gave us her contact details in case we had any further questions. I feel that the materials we are given in lectures and the quality of the presentations could be improved as I often find myself researching the answers to assessments myself rather than using the resources provided. However I like that we have bi-monthly reviews with my lecturer and line manager to ensure to everyone is aware of my progress.

I receive a lot of support from my team at Boots. They are always happy to answer any questions I have or spend time with me solve an issues I come across. My line manager is particularly supportive and our weekly one-to-ones give me a chance to raise any issues or questions I have. Having a mentor in a different team who has done a similar role to me in the past gives me a wider range of people to seek support from.

Boots offer a generous package with includes a Boots discount card and access to the benefits box where you can buy extra holiday, buy discount cards for restaurants or reduced gym memberships etc. Being located in Beeston is it easily accessible from Leicester, Nottingham and Derby however many people travel from further afield to work here. There are also public buses which come onsite.

Boots supports many charities in particular Children in Need, MacMillan Cancer Support and the Boots Benevolent Fund. There are many organised activities including rounders’ matches and cake sales to raise money for these charities. As a Stores Finance team we go for a weekly run and also go out for team days and meals which anyone in the team is welcome to organise. The Apprentices are also given the opportunity to visit school and give presentations promoting apprenticeships which I personally really enjoy.

Yes

I would encourage someone to apply to become an apprentice at Boots because they will be able to study for a qualification whilst earning money and gaining hands on experience in their chosen area. I feel I have developed and learnt a huge amount whilst working at Boots and in the future I know there are opportunities to further progress and complete further study that is right for me, either by studying for a degree or my accountancy qualifications.

The application process is challenging and will really make you think about what you want to gain from working for Boots. You will have to complete an application form, online tests, a telephone interview and then attend an assessment centre. My advice for the assessment centre is to be enthusiastic, well prepared and interested in Boots. You will have to deliver a presentation on the day however this can be thoroughly planned in advance. One piece of advice I would have liked to have been told is that the people interviewing you are looking for someone to join their team and so being friendly and asking them about their role and team will make a really good impression.