Finance Apprentice Review

I am a finance apprentice, currently in a procurement finance role. My daily tasks include communicating with the procurement team, who buy raw materials (such as coffee, cocoa, rice etc) and packaging materials, to report on the PPV (Price purchase variance). I also deal with savings that procurement have made for the wider business.

During my apprenticeship i have developed so many skills. A big one being my presentation skills, which is important in my role when reporting back the numbers to the business leads over skype. I have developed this skill through a Presenting With Impact course that was run by nestle, and then having the opportunites to practice what I had learnt. My communication skills and confidence has also imporoved, due to working with teams outside of finance.

I was nervous when i first joined the programme, as apprenticeships weren't as well thought of back then. When i look back now, I couldn't have chosen a better scheme to be on. Not only a finance apprenticeship, but a finance apprenticeship with Nestle. I can see how much I am growing as a person, and learning so much everyday, while having a role that makes a difference within neslte. I am not treated as any less than any other employee within my team, and i love the responsiblity of the role i have.

The programme is well organised, as you are put into a team and learn that role, as well as learning about finance within Nestle. This gives you an opportunity to express where your interest may lie, and what role you would find preferable for the following year. You care also put in touch will other apprentices, in the cohort above, and those that are joining at the same time, so you are introduced to people all around the business.

I get so much support from Nestle. Not only through the academy, but by my learning provider (Kaplan talent coach), as well as my colleagues and line manager. Whether i have a question, need study support or just a chat, Nestle has a really friendly culture that I am proud to be apart of.

We get allocated a talent coach from kaplan who keeps in contact with us every 6 weeks, either face to face or over the phone, and then a review every few months. We are able to email or call with questions at any time, and have many contacts available online for any queries we have.

One of my modules in CIMA is management Finance, which applies directly to my first role in factory finance support. Studying this module helped me to understand how costs are pulled together in cost centres, what they mean and the roles of a management accountant.

Finance as a function hold cascades which always includes a social event. Teams also create their own team bonding experiences, such as escape rooms, and going out for meals. There is a free gym on sight, which is open 24hours, and also has personal trainers available throughout the day, who are there to support and run classes.

Yes

Nestle has supported me to grow in finance, as well as a person. I've been surrounded by a friendly culture, and all the support i could ever need while starting out my career in finance. I have taken part in the UTZ audit, and had many challenges to overcome, but been supported to complete everything to the best of stnadards.

I would advise anyone to just be themsleves, and continue through the application process. Its a long process and many applicants are narrowed down to a final few to attend an assessment centre. Please dont feel nervous, as that is the last thing Neslte wants to do! During interviews, always remember to back up your statements with evidence, to say how you have shown this quality, to really impress the assessors.