Finance Analyst Review

Currently I work in Trading Division Finance. I deal with finding the correct sell price for our overseas subsidiaries and plants. I work closely with operations teams in the UK and aboard. I regularly use Excel and SAP to find pricing. I am also involved in repricing for all of our customers, which is a quarterly and annual task.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have learnt lots of office skills, for example how to use Microsoft programmes. I have also learnt soft skills such as presenting and running a successful meeting. I have also studied for my CIMA, meaning that I will shortly be a a qualified chartered accountant. I have been able to put some of my CIMA knowledge in to practice.

I have really enjoyed learning on the job at Jaguar Land Rover. It can sometimes be difficult to manage work and study, however the managers involved in our development are helpful and understanding. I have also enjoyed meeting new people, both in work and socially. Jaguar Land Rover have been supportive throughout the programme.

The programme is still fairly new, so there have been quite a few changes along the process. However I am happy with how it has finally be structured and the course that I will take. I have completed CIMA in just under 3 years and will be completing a masters at Aston University next. I have had 2 roles which where 6 months long, and 3 roles that have been a year. Rotations mean that I am able to see lots of the business.

At Jaguar Land Rover, on the Finance scheme , we have a future talent board who look to aid our development, and ensure we are looked after throughout the programme. Individual management are supportive of time off for studying and try to manage work load accordingly. We are given the option to have a mentor if we so wish.

BPP have the option to study in centre or at home, I have chosen various options for each individual courses. They offer great study materials and tutors are will to answer additional questions outside of class time. BPP also have support tutors, however I haven't felt these have been needed and am unsure what support they would actually be able to offer me.

Having CIMA means that I am a qualified accountant. Not only is this a recognised qualification, it has also been useful when needing to apply certain topics to everyday working life. For example, I have used my accounting knowledge to post month end journals. CIMA also uses some case study exams, which are useful to put our learnings into context.

There are lots of extra-curricular activites to get involved with. I am currently part of the Finance People Initiative and we put on social networking events throughout the year, for example Christmas Quiz and Poker nights. You can also join the JLR netball team. I am a coach for Team Improvement Circles which is a company wide initiative to find new innovative ideas within your work area.

Yes

I would recommend Jaguar Land Rover to a friend, if they were looking to get into a large, well-known company. You are treated like any other employee, but they are fair about how we should be treated on the apprenticeship scheme. JLR also is very broad so you can see lots of different areas of the business and there is plenty to get involved with.

Make sure you do research before applying, but also if you get through to an assessment centre. The more research the better. Understand the criteria needed to get in, so you can ensure you aim towards these grades. Make sure you practice online aptitude tests, as these will be unlike tests you have seen before.