Financial Analyst Review

My role as a financial analyst is to analyse and report on the banks figures. I sit within the statistical and reporting team alongside accountants and analysts. I do monthly reporting for the bank which includes analysing figures and submitting forms into the bank of England. The job itself means I spend most of my time working on excel documents updating the figures month on month.

Most definitely. Prior to coming into this apprenticeship and role I would have thought I was fairly competent on Microsoft excel - however I have learnt so much in my time and continue to do so. The basic learning I did at school certainly was the tip of the iceberg with what is possible in excel and It has been a huge learning curve with what possibilities there are and functions I now use on a daily basis.

I really enjoy the programme although it is hard and demanding at times. It is busy to say the least. I enjoy the challenges and chance to learn more about finance in the bank as I get to move departments and experience different types of financial opportunities which has opened up my eyes to the possibilities that the bank has. It has been enjoyable but you get out what you put in.

We have had hurdles in the way of delays in beginning our online training towards our ACCA qualification. The people we deal with though are lovely and really accommodating. Questions are always answered by our providers and the bank has accommodated our learning in working hours. The structure also changes from year to year depending on previous feedback.

I have received a lot of support in all different aspects. Firstly, Excel training. As I mentioned previously I have had to do a lot of work to get myself up skilled on this however the team I am in have accommodated this and helped in my learning. They have also supported my apprentice group being able to watch live lectures in work hours and time off to study for exams.

Our training provider has set out a clear structure on exams and timescales and are always at the end of an email if you have a question. We also have a provider who is a lecturer so understands the content we are studying. There hasn't been a time yet that we have needed additional support so I at the moment I certainly feel supported.

It certainly goes hand in hand with the role itself. I work alongside accountants who have often years of experience so to not have the training through the apprenticeship would hinder my ability to perform. It is also essential in such a numbers orientated role that I have the relevant experience and knowledge which without the qualifications wouldn't be possible.

There are so many events and committees to get involved in from social to charity teams. These are always advertised in ways to get involved so being new in to the company its great as you can always help and network with committees. There are also a lot of opportunities to go outwith the office to get involved in schools projects and see what other teams do. It can be as sociable as you want to make it.

Yes

They have been very welcoming and ensure we catch up regularly so you never feel alone. It is also a very transparent company so if you have a question you always feel comfortable to raise it. We have so many people involved in the apprentice programme from different levels so there is always someone to turn to if you need assistance.

Be yourself. When joining Lloyds we had multiple rounds to go through before getting to the full assessment day (the final stage). It was amazing to see so many different personalities and people all going for the 4 jobs available. When I was successful It was so refreshing on the 1st day to see the 4 of us who were successful were so different. We all carry traits Lloyds wanted so we got the same job so just be yourself at the interview or assessment day.