Finance Apprentice Review

I am a finance apprentice so still learning on the job. I usually complete tasks like journals, IAPs and take control of new software systems. I attend weekly team meetings and lots of training sessions so that I can learn as much as possible. I also monitor our teams emails and respond to them appropriately.

I have definitely learnt loads of new skills during my apprenticeship as did not have much experience in doing accounting within a work place setting. I have learnt how to use new software systems and how to complete and submit journals. I have also developed on my excel skills and communication skills.

I enjoy my programme as I am learning something new everyday. My daily tasks also vary depending on what time of the month it is and what requires completing first. This makes my role interesting as it is not the same stuff everyday. We also switch teams a couple times throughout our apprenticeship course so get to experience different parts of the company.

Despite COVID-19 causing a few changes to my apprenticeship such as working from home I feel like we have been given enough support to adapt to this. There are people I can talk to everyday and receive help from if I need it. With regards to exams we have a couple each year and are provided with study days to help us prepare.

I receive a lot of support from the apprenticeship team with meetings taking place often with all the apprentices to catch up and raise any concerns. As we are working from home it means I haven’t met anyone in my team in person, but they are always available to talk to over Skype and we hold weekly team meetings to ensure everyone know what they’re doing and if they need any help.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our lessons are online so have not met any of our training providers in person. However, we have weekly lessons in which we go through different topics and can also ask any questions. If we need any extra assistance we can send them an email and receive 1-1 support.

I feel like my qualification helps me to perform better in my role as I am learning new skills which are often used in my tasks. For example I learnt more about reconciliations through my training provider and this is used for when we complete forecasts and budgets. I’ve also gained a greater understanding of excel and financial statements.

As I joined during the global pandemic I have not been able to attend any extra-curricular activities, however I know that there are normally are ones available. Teams often participate in social events outside of work to get to know each other better and charity races like the tough mudder take place.

Yes

They offer a wide range of job roles and apprenticeships, so don’t have to follow one route. There are also so many different placements and teams that you can move round to as many as you’d like to gain experience. I have also received lots of support from the apprenticeship team, other apprentices and my team and learn so much in my role.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or say you do not understand as from experience you will learn so many new things which may be difficult to get to grips with to start with. You will meet so many new people doing the same role as you so you won’t feel alone.