Finance Apprentice Review

I currrently work within factory finance. My daily tasks involve ensuring material costs are updated and are aligned with production dates within the factory. I often carry out variance analysis; Variance Analysis helps us track our performance to a target value. It also helps the business target specific areas of a factory if performance is favourable or adverse.

I have developed my Microsoft Excel skills massively. I am constantly pulling complex reports therefore have learnt to use all facets of excel that allows me to be much more efficient in my everyday tasks. My networking skills have also greatly improved, this is due to being constantly exposed to senior members of staff within the community.

Despite having worked at home for nearly 2 years, I am now finally back in the office. Nestle provided a plethora of support whilst working from home, constant daily catch ups allowed me to always feel part of the team. The culture is great, there are constant calls and sessions around improving social issues within the business.

Kaplan have been supportive and I currently catch up with a dedicated Kaplan talent coach every 6 weeks. This is to keep track of my CIMA progress and my studies. I often dedicate too much time to work rather than study, realising it is important to structure time wisely as management often leave this as an independent decision to make.

I receive a lot of support from my management team within Nestle. They are greatly supportive with issues around mental health, especially due to the lockdown being such a difficult time for many. I have struggled to adapt to life working from home, I feel it is difficult to reach out for help when not in person, this has slightly hampered my progress within the role.

Kaplan provide a lot of support when necesary. The resources that we receive when starting a new course are very detailed, coming with revision cards, mock exam booklets etc. I feel I could benefit with having a more regular catch up with my Kaplan coach to ensure things are on track.

The CIMA certificate links closely with my everyday tasks with work. The first element of the course centers around the context of businesses in general. This helps me to understand the way Nestle operates as it does and exposes to the bigger picture. There is also a greater focus on accounting later in the certificate syllabus, this ties up closely with the roles I have undertaken so far.

The Nestle Office in York has recently been refurbished and re-opened in March 2022. The office has a built in gym that is free for members of staff. The company also drives streams on Eradicating Racism, mental health etc which are easy to get involved in should you wish. I believe there is an opportunity to promote more sports teams etc as there are multiple sports venues nearby that could be put to good use.

Yes

Nestle treats you as an indiviudal rather than just another employee. The constant check ins with your manager allows you to cater to a working routine/structure that suits you specifically. The company culture is brilliant, it understands current societal issues and discusses them openly internally. I feel the certificate that I am studying towards has great relevance and will allow me to progress within the company, should I want to.

I would advise others to really study the culture of the company beforehand and understand if it is right for you. nestle values individuality and creativity much more than other large businesses. Do great research into differing roles as there are hundreds of differing jobs for you to get involved in within each area of the business.