Finance Apprentice Review

I'm currently based in Group Treasury. My role includes; internal and external payments, administrating electronic-banking, bank mandates and bank accounts across the group, updating inter company loans agreements and reporting on the group's daily cash. My team report into VP Group Tax & Treasury and work closing with the group's finance shared service centres.

Although having done Economics & Business at school, I have never really touched proper accounting or finance processes before I started at Sage. I have now completed my Level 2 and Level 3 AAT, currently studying Level 4. In addition to my apprenticeship course, Sage offers LinkedIn learning to all colleagues. This was my first office job, so my skills on all Excel/Word/PowerPoint/Outlook have increased immensely, as well as telephone communication and letter writing.

I feel like it would have been hard to have a better experience than what I've had so far. Some of my is routine and so is fairly straight forward, whereas ad-hoc tasks can be challenging and testing. Sage provide modern and high-spec hardware and software, making my job a lot easier, with a laptop, two monitors and a desk phone. My team are friendly are social, Group Finance aim for at least one night out per month to socialise and we often go for lunch together. Sage work culture is flexible and working from home in my role or working flexible hours is never an issues if needed. Annual leave benefits, rewards and the Christmas party are all great too.

I joined as part of a large group c.60 apprentices, we all experienced the same induction day, with apprentices from London and Manchester joining us, informing us of company benefits, company policy and what was expected from us as apprentices. Northern Skills Group provide a good standard of teaching and materials. I have regular 1 to 1s with my line manager which are extremely useful. My manager provides constant support and encouragement, whether it is in the office or with my studies.

It helps having a line manager who sits next to me in the office, he is always willing to give advice or support if needed. Asking for time to study in the office is never a problem, especially if I have an upcoming exam. HR are always a quick phone call or meeting away. Talent and recruitment hold regular events for all UKI apprentices.

Wednesday is currently my study day at Northern Skills Group, we spend 5 hours per week studying per week. We are encouraged by our Northern Skills and Sage to make sure we are using our 20% off the job time as part of our apprenticeship. Our tutor is competent and knowledgeable and the materials provided for both revision and study are good

My AAT course is very useful for understanding the fundamental principles of accountancy and finance that are used everyday at work. I now have an understand of the balance sheet, profit and loss statements and cash flows. Level 4 provides and more detailed understanding of the course and allows to add in depth knowledge of processes.

Currently, Sage holds an annual summer party at North Park and an off-site Christmas party, both of which are excellent. There is an on-site gym, provided by Nuffield and there are numerous sports teams at Sage including running and football. In finance there are often nights out and social events. Sage Foundation allows all Sage colleagues to use up to 5 working days to volunteer and give back to the community, Sage are also running a $2million by 2020 challenge at the moment. In my free time I like to play gol, play pool and watch live music.

Yes

Sage is a FTSE 100 company that is still growing and expanding. Promotion opportunities are plentiful too. The office facilities provided are good too, with areas to relax and eat, as well as there been a huge amount of free on-site parking. Secondments and job changes are also supported by Sage if you feel your current role doesn't quite suit you.

Roles are usually advertised internally and externally, a CV will usually be submitted, then a telephone/face-to-face interview and potentially finally an assessment centre. You must have a good knowledge of both the role and and the company. Interviews are competency based so answers should be given in the STAR structure when applicable and it is good to have a list of examples to use before your interview of times where you have overcome obstacles etc.