Apprentice Accountant Review

My Role as an Apprentice Accountant at Cummins differs on a day to day basis, as a summary I help with invoicing,producing reports, preparing financials, closing the books and many other Adhoc requests in order to help out in the department.

My time studying for my AAT has helped me to understand the fundamentals behind accounting and my development at Cummins has been based around what I've learnt at college - helping to build on what I already know. I also haven't been stuck at the level that I'm studying for, I've had plenty of opportunities to learn more complex areas of accounting - some of which I wouldn't normally begin studying until a few years down the line. My time at Cummins has increased my systems skills - i.e excel to a great extent. As a part of the apprenticeship I have attended lots of skills workshops including the likes of presenting, building confidence, meeting etiquette and conflict management. Cummins is more than willing to help with training when and where needed/wanted.

I've enjoyed every moment of this apprenticeship, the team i'm with are really friendly and willing to explain areas as many times as necessary, the work they provide is a mixture of normal and challenging allowing you to progress but not feel overwhelmed. Cummins company values are really inspiring and align perfectly with what a good company should be in my eyes. This apprenticeship has exceded all expectations.

I feel very valued by my department and by Cummins as a whole, I'm frequently told the impact that i've had on the department in terms of helping out and recieve recognition for the tasks that I complete. I've also recieved recognition from the HQ in the US for my involvement in a project. As such I feel very valued.

The induction programme called on-boarding is excellent for bringing you up to speed on the company values etc when you first join Cummins. The structure for your apprenticeship is adjustable to meet your needs in terms of training providers/ places of study along with the training that you would like to take part in. The initial stages of your studies i.e AAT are layed out for you, however you can choose what you would like to do coming towards the end of your apprenticeship and your manager provides plenty of meetings to discuss this right from the beginning. There is a set work plan however this is adjustable to how you feel about the work load and to whether or not you're coping. Overall I really like the way that the programme is structured and it's adjustability means that you can seek personal improvement to where you think it's necessary.

New College Durham is very supportive with contact details for the trainer and the assessor being accessible from the beginning allowing you to ask any questions even when you're not at college. They are very willing to help and there's always time to go over anything in the weeks leading up towards the exam. Nothing is rushed and everything is spaced out in order to ensure that you're taking the exam when you're ready.

I have regular meetings with my manager to discuss any areas that i need support in and we have regular apprentice meetings in order to help with our development. They've been more than willing to provide support when i've needed it.

The Salary increases with each year on the apprenticeship and the initial Salary is more than enough to cover the cost of transport to work like fuel and car maintenance. I find that I still have more than enough for social activities each week and still have money left for savings.

Cummins has lots of opportunities outside of work, we complete 4 hours of volunteering each year in order to better the community, they also host clubs like the sports and social club which have frequent activites bringing employees together outside of work.

Yes

Cummins has a great apprenticeship scheme and plenty of opportunities for development

Research the company values and history as this will come up in your interview. Don't worry about the assessment days as they are really enjoyable and you're made to feel comfortable.