Finance and accounting apprentice Review

Working mainly as part of a domain accounting or project cost controls team to ensure quality and accurate financial management of military acquisition and support projects. Working with journals and general ledgers, forecasting tools, asset management software and budgeting and planning tools, it varies depending on team focus.

I've had the opportunity to put some aspects of the aat learning into practice, as the civil service operates differently to private businesses, but the fundamentals are still relevant. I've learned a great deal about financial management, working in teams and the financial approval process

I really enjoy the placements I've had so far. Some great teams that have got me involved straight away with challenging work. The learning providers haven't been very good though, and there's not really any support from the function team

The lack of staffing resources in the apprentice team have mean that at times the has been poor communication and planning had seemed reactive rather than proactive. There have been numerous times when things feel poorly organised, in terms of pay and the education side of things

From my placement teams, a lot of support. They are invested in development of apprentices and acknowledge a flexible timetable is necessary. From the apprentice team though, it's been lacking, and this is the general feeling across different stages of the programme.

They have been a mixed bag. My tutor I had at level 3 was great, but the training provider in general was terrible (avado). We now have babbington for level 4 who seem better, and we are now using Kaplan books. They are easier to contact as well.

The work we do is very specific and so different to the content in the aat qualifications , but in general it gives us a good base understanding of accounting, so when it does come up it means we can speak with a degree of certainty.

A lot. I do yoga most days, basketball some times, but I could get involved in so much. There's lots of facilities on site ie gym, squash courts, and I've been to lots of events like apprenticeship shows, national events and training off site

Yes

Reliable job with reasonable prospects. The people you work with are professional and mostly in the job for the right reasons (ensure value for the taxpayer). In general people are supportive and there is a focus on improving the organisation at the moment

Learn about the civil service, and what the purpose of departments like DE&S are. The work we do is important, so ensure you take it seriously to an extent. Be motivated about the prospect of working in this environment, and be proactive in general