Rating

7.4/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Accountabilities • Project Accounting - Integrity of costs, revenue ledgers & transaction processing • Financial control, Governance, segregation of duties & process flows Month End Processes • Preparing & posting accurate journals, accruals & prepayments in line with accounting policies, & accurate cost allocation General duties • Processing payroll for weekly paid staff and dealing with queries • Processing staff expenses • 3-way matching of plant invoices and resolving any queries • Inputting plant liabilities • Posting documents and journals • Daily maintenance of the accounts email addresses • Stamping up and labelling of plant invoices • Cost analysis • Matching invoices to plant delivery tickets • Supplier/creditors queries • Monthly Supplier reconciliations • Monthly purchase card reconciliations • Photocopying, filing & scanning of all invoices & maintenance of filling systems.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Whilst working full time as an Assistant Project Accountant, I gained a Certificate in Business Accounting from the Chartered Institution of Management Accountants. This allowed me to gain knowledge whilst working in an Accounts payable role. Key Skills • Good attention to detail • Experience in computerised accounting system, Oracle Enterprise One • Proficient in Microsoft Excel (and other Microsoft packages) - vlookups, formulae, filters, graphs and pivots • Managing a high-volume workload • Ability to work as part of a team and individually

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I have always wanted to be an accountant so I enjoy my role. I like doing a veritey of tasks. In my non-exhaustive role, dealing with payroll, expenses, plant and machinery, etc. I must work with both our internal and external stakeholders to ensure that I capture accurate information and resolve any queries that may arise whilst carrying out my tasks.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I have a non-exhaustive list of tasks that I must carry out on a daily/weekly/monthly basis but I ensure that I set deadlines for myself so that I complete my tasks in an efficient and timely manner. In accountancy, month end and year end are essential periods. I have always managed to complete my period end tasks. I always aim to work methodically, despite having to manage a high workload.

    8/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive a lot of support from my former line manager. He is very supportive and constantly pushes me to be the best that I can be. Even though I have moved on from his project, he continues to support me and encourage me when I require the assistance. My current line manger also supports.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • I don't think I receive much support from my training provider. There were some modules on my course that I found helpful to sit in class and go through but others I had to go away myself and teach myself. However, their online resources to study are really good.

    5/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • I think that practice is the best teacher. I would say majority of my skills are learnt actually doing the job. The qualification itself is nice to see that you have to the ability to study and sit an exam but in my opinion, experience is definitely the best teacher.

    6/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • We have team bonding sessions now and again. There some activities I could get involved in but they don't really interest me on my current project. I enjoyed the social activities on my old project as I feel that I had a better bond with my colleagues on the project.

    7/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Costain to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • There is a lot of opportunity for progression if you are determined to express your interests in something. This is my first job since university and I feel that I have been blessed with the opportunities I have been given to progress on my journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Costain?
  • I would say that you have to be able to multitask and work hard. You must be able to work with a variety of individuals but also be able to work alone and manage your workload. Never be afraid to speak out as you are the pilot of your career.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting, Finance

Central London & City

March 2019


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