Finance Apprentice Review

My role is in the account payable team. I am responsible for responding to suppliers queries which come through via email or telephone, such as chasing an overdue payment. I am also responsible for carrying out supplier statement reconciliations, which highlights whether we have all of our supplier's invoices/ credit notes in the system.

I have learnt how to develop my team working skills, when working in a team everyday I have understood how vital it is to communicate what is going well and what needs improving so that we can ensure processes run smoothly and we provide a quality service to our stakeholders.

I enjoy my apprenticeship programme, it has allowed me to develop new skills and ways of learning. It has gave me the opportunity to continue my studying as well as gaining experience in the finance industry. I rotate through several placements which means that I am always learning and developing.

My apprenticeship programme is well organised and structured. It consists of 4 placements within the 3 years I am on scheme. These are all around the finance department and each one will have a duration of 9 months. My classes are set out for each exam, which is provided on a timetable from my study provider.

I have received a lot of support from my employer. When I rotate around each placement I am provided with sufficient training to allow me to carry out a role independently. I am also provided with study days for each exam paper I sit, in order to ensure I am prepared for my exams.

I have had a few issues with my training provider since I began my apprenticeship, which has been disappointing. There has been a lack of communicate regarding many aspects of what is required, one example is I was not informed that I was suppose to complete a range of reflective statements over a whole year until it was 4 months before the deadline which made this very difficult.

I feel my qualification has gave me a wider range of knowledge and skills in order to perform my role better. It has allowed me to pick up roles easier and quicker, meaning that the rotations of my placements has ran smoothly. It has also gave me a better understanding of what other teams do in the finance department who I may have to communicate with.

I am involved in preparing and presenting a monthly meeting we have in the finance department. This involves getting a range of speakers to provide any updates. The aim of this is to raise engagement within finance and provide updates to the finance community (e.g. strategy updates, key events, process changes).

Yes

It's a good company to work for, Severn Trent provides it's employees with lots of support. The company offers a range of benefits and encourages its employees to study in order to gain qualifications which means that there is lots of opportunities for progression. The training the company provides is also of a high quality.

The advice that I would give to someone who is thinking of applying to Severn Trent for a job would be to gain a good understanding of the company's key behaviours, values and visions. I would also suggest that they ensure they look at the key skills required for the job.