Accountant Review

I look after the accounts of various companies and report on these each month. Ensuring the balance sheet reconciles and then use these figures to create the board reports and board packs which I send to other teams across Finance and to others externally too. I also study my degree alongside work and have 1 study day each week which I can use to focus on my learning.

The course is designed to develop our soft skills as well as our knowledge on the course. We are encouraged to go out of our comfort zone in order to develop these skills. So far I've grown in confidence by volunteering to lead team meetings and reaching out to others in the business to ask about what they do.

I enjoy speaking to other parts of the business in order to understand what they do and learn how that fits in with my learning and current role. Having the experience to see how the topics I learn about are used everyday in the work place makes it more interesting too.

Each year there are 3 modules and a portfolio which displays the work we've done through the year. Each module is 10 weeks long with an exam at the end. This has been a good structure and supported well with one on campus day per module too in order to go over all material in person with the class and tutors before each exam.

I have weekly catch ups with my line manager and mentor for both work and study. My learning has always been seen as much of a priority as my work and this has helped when balancing various tasks. Everyone across the business has been supportive and encouraging in helping me learn new tasks.

The university provides support through emails and weekly group calls with students in order to talk about each weeks topics in more depth over the phone. We are also split into study groups with other students so we can help each other and share our experiences of the learning materials and how that relates to our different companies.

So far I have completed 2 modules which have developed my knowledge of the business and how the company operates. I am now learning more about the work I am doing day to day. I have been developing my knowledge already, but I know that my studies will give a full picture and link everything together to further my understanding.

There is the Young Person Development Network (YPDN) which bring together the younger people in the business to socialise, but to also bring guest speakers in to talk about ways to further our careers and put ourselves out for opportunities. There are rugby clubs and charity volunteer days 3 days each year.

Yes

The culture is a main part of why I'm proud to work here. Personal growth and education is a priority for all employees which has made it easier for myself to study various qualifications while working here. There are courses I've been on such as presentation skills, business writing, body language, work personality and levels of excel which have all helped equipping me as someone who can fit into the workplace straight from high school.

Show your interest in learning. Through studying qualifications but also though the courses available and by other people in the businesses. Be open to learning and understanding other functions of the business by meeting people to ask about their roles. There are plenty of opportunities for both personal and professional growth to always take advantage of.