Finance Business Partner Assistant Review

I am an assistant to a finance business partner at the university of Lincoln. I support in creating budgets, reviewing performance of areas against budget. Manage the finances for externally funded research projects and help with general finance queries from my specific areas that I support across the university, such as Student Development and College of Social Science.

The ability to be able to talk to people at different levels. This is a skill I would say I have already established but I undertake regular meetings with heads of schools and even colleges and therefore this has allowed me to adjust my approach accordingly and has improved my confidence.

I do really enjoy my programme as I am setting up a long career in accounting that I have wanted to pursue for some time and my employer has allowed me to follow this dream. I am still in the early days of my apprenticeship, however, the structure has ben great so far and I am enjoying my studying.

It has taken a little while to get set up fully and I am still awaiting some elements of my apprenticeship to start. What I have seen form the set up so far is good and looks well structured, I would just argue that there has been too much of a delay to getting set up with a talent coach and the relevant log in information for my apprenticeship platform.

My employer allows me my 20% off the job training time that is required, which is a non-negotiable to complete my apprenticeship. My line manager in particular has been extra supportive with my studies and has given me support since starting and tips to help me along the way. The University also funds my apprenticeship.

Kaplan provide 24/7 support through email and a messaging service through the kaplan platform. I have found the support from tutors on study modules particularly useful as although there might be a slight delay in them coming back to you, their support is detailed and is exactly what is required from an academic support stand point.

Throughout the apprenticeship so far there has been a lot of links to real life examples and how this can be linked to the work I am completing in my normal day to day work. I can therefore apply my learning easily to my work seamlessly. Because my apprenticeship is so relevant to my day to day work, this also helps greatly.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic the University have put on virtual events, such as, running clubs, book clubs and various other social events. They already had a very strong social structure in place prior to our working from home arrangements and you can feel the university is a close community with great working relationships.

Yes

I was new to accounting and the public sector when I started the role just over a year ago and the support I have received from da 1 has been nothing short of phenomenal. There have been check ins regularly and my direct line manager has helped by explaining everything to me and has encouraged me to ask questions throughout.

I would strongly suggest any others applying for the role to be committed to supporting the wider University corporate plans. Be open to support, help and coaching and have the willingness to give 100% everyday as there are plenty of educational, personal and career opportunities to progress your career further.