Regulatory External Reporting Analyst Review

On a day-to-day basis I will typically prepare regulatory reporting returns, get involved with local project work involving automation and Python coding and generally undertake work to manage risks around reporting as well.

I have been able to develop my skills in public speaking, time management and presenting information at executive level. I have also learned a huge amount of technical skills on my accounting courses including management and financial accounting, budgeting, variance analysis, forecasting and business economics.

I very much enjoy the programme, it has provided me with the opportunity to both learn and work. I have been able to kick start my own career and progress within the organisation very quickly. I also really enjoy working in my current team, my colleagues are extremely supportive.

At the beginning it wasn't all that structured but that was a steep learning curve we all had to experience, at this point I am 4 years into my apprenticeship and the structure and organisation has improved, I feel very well supported by our Early Careers team.

Both my line manager and the Early Careers team have provided a huge amount of support in the last year or two. It has been brilliant to have this support as it has allowed me to achieve good results in my exams and progress in the business as well.

BPP have recently started providing additional support, it can sometimes be hard to reach the right person at BPP to support you with specific queries and there have been times when there is little appreciation for the actual job requirements we have from the business which can be frustrating.

There are elements of the qualification that I won't use in my current role but that's not to say they may be useful in the future. Given the size of our organisation, I work in a very niche area however all the training is very useful.

The bank has a huge amount of initiatives that anyone can get involved in. It's all very inclusive and has something for everyone. There are wellbeing initiatives launching all the time as well as more localised groups and teams that we can get involved in.

Yes

Because NatWest has allowed me the freedom to be myself, to work with a wonderful variety of people from all walks of life, to launch a career in an area I would never have thought I'd work in and to gain a professional qualification while working full time.

I would say be open to all the opportunities that come your way, understand that sometimes you have to go searching for the next step up and to keep going even when it gets difficult because in the end it will 100% be worth it!