Accounts Assistant Review

My job is an accounts assistant, which means I do the day to day tasks that allow the business the keep functioning. This includes ensuring there is enough money in the banks to get through the days business, as well as customer refunds, bank reconciliations, and dealing with internal questions from staff.

I have definitely learnt new skills, mainly how to reconcile a bank account, how to manage company finances, and how to read and understand financial statements. Developed skills include communication, confidence in speaking to important people or speaking to larger groups, and managing expectations with stakeholders including peers and businesses.

I very much enjoy the programme. A degree apprenticeship gives the opportunity to gain invaluable experience at a great company whilst gaining and solid qualification, both of which I know will stand me in good stead in my career going forwards. I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone of any age.

Some aspects of the programme are organised. My employer is good at getting involved and understanding what is needed from a uni and a work perspective. However, the uni can sometimes be unclear on what is expected from us from an End Point Assessment point of view, which I feel should be a lot clearer from the outset.

A lot of support. We have an early careers mentor who completed the apprenticeship before us (slightly different course) and understands what we are going through and can offer useful advice. Line managers are also supportive and will to assist us with any needs such as study days or time off for uni demands.

The uni is supportive and again we have a mentor that looks to help us with End Point Assessment as they have experience in this area, however the provider of the apprenticeship (CMI) we have very little communication with so the support from them is minimal. From an assignment perspective the uni is very good.

It allows us to have a much fuller understand of many different areas of the business that our role would not provide. The course covers almost every business topic including Sales & Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT, etc. It allows us to apply knowledge to our own roles from these different departments.

The company provides £25 per person per quarter to encourage team building activities, which is a great opportunity to build relationships outside of work that will enhance the working relationship and in turn improve the quality of work. There was also a 5 a side football team before the pandemic which has not yet restarted.

Yes

The company genuinely cares for employees. Their Vision is "People Service Profit" suggesting that investment in the staff will increase the level of service provided and then turn a profit, which can be re-invested into the people. I can say from experience that this is the case and it's not just words on a website.

To be yourself and to show you have good listening and teamwork skills. These are the things most valued at First Response and showing this in the application process will definitely increase your chances of being successful here. As long as you give your all you will definitely be rewarded.