FP&A Apprentice Review

I run reports in the mornings, this then moves on to more challenging and changing work through the day, this can involve talking to the business partners about budgets or checking that they have there balance sheets prepared, my monthly reporting includes Balance Sheets and Journals for all area of the business

I have learnt new analytics skills and how to tackle different obstacles that the business world may throw at me, i have created new reports based off my knowledge learned on the job as well as learning how to simplify and improve existing processes that were already used by the business

My first year was not enjoyable, the scheme where i was brought in to move around diffrent areas fell through and i was the only apprentice of my type employed, this involved me getting stuck in an admin role for the first year, it was hard for me to learn new areas and new skills, i was just stuck doing a job. However in my seccond year after redundancy has moved me into FP&A i learn alot more and enjoy the work day and program around it

The first year was not structured at all, however in my second year i have a fixed study day so this gives me alot more structure to my working week. This also helps me plan my exams and studying more, i do find that sometimes i struggle to find time to study after the working day

My new line manager and mentor help me alot through the process of the apprenticeship, the post office also has a new apprentice manager who is very helpful and quick to answer any questions that i may have. I feel well supported in my role, when re-sitting exams it would be nice if the employer can help financially towards them

Kaplan have been more than helpful with issues i have had, i have a call every 6 weeks with them where we discuss how i am doing and set out targets for ourselves. We also have quarterly calls with my line manager and mentors joining too so we can all work together to help me progress

Currently i am struggling with a few of my exams, because of this i do feel like they don't link directly back to my day to day role. Once i move onto other areas i feel the link would be stronger, the current areas of CIMA i am sitting don't link directly back

Our team meets up for team building days occasionally, we have one planned in London for June 2021, we also have a team quiz every team meeting, this helps to pull our small team closer together and helps us feel more comfortable asking eachother for help when needed in the workplace

Yes

It is a good place to work for with modern ideas and new ways of working, the pay is good and the people make it better. They support you along the way when needed and i feel like i have a future here. People work there entire careers here at the Post Office

Make sure its in your contract about what the apprenticeship involves, some managers only want an apprentice for cheap work (My first year) this limits your progression and chances of trying new things. Plan time for studying as you won't have much time for anything else leading upto exams