Finance and Commercial Academy Student Review

Creating invoices for long term and short term projects within the business. Supporting project managers in the financials for each project whilst managing the level of overdue debt accumulated. Supporting commercial project managers with updating project financials for their respective projects. Creating credit notes, updating spreadsheet (W2W) used in the project bidding process.

I have developed communication skills as I work alongside many colleagues to understand the level of debt as those meetings are chaired by me and so I need to ensure that the responses I get are explicit and relevant. I have also developed analytical skills as I have embarked on many training courses to further my ability to think critically.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme as the culture of creativity and inclusivity is celebrated throughout the company. I have been able to maximise the impact and benefits of the academy programme despite working from home and each team I work with has been able to nurture my skills to ensure I get the most out of the programme

My programme is very well structured as it has in place a clear structure and support in place. I was very well informed prior to the programme starting about the expectations and nature of my role. The support provided by placement managers is great and they are very receptive as we discuss workload and my desire to navigate different roles and aspects of accounting.

I am very well supported by my line manager who provides limitless support and encouragement. When faced with issues, I am able to comfortably take this to my line or placement manager who is able to either support my directly or provide me the direction of where I can find it.

I am given a lot of support in regards to my training provider and qualifications. My advisor is very supportive and understanding whilst I have embarked on a tumultuous journey to receiving my qualification. I have faced many issues whilst working towards my qualification and I have always received so much support from my advisor.

I have learnt that through my qualification I have been able to apply theoretical situations to real life examples. Also, the definitions and core accounting principles are already covered which means that I am able to explore a plethora of different aspects of accounting. The accounting vocabulary learnt from my qualification means I can follow in meetings better and understand work conversation in a more complex way.

During black history month, I got involved with the equality, diversity and inclusion team to deliver a presentation about an unsung black hero in my personal opinion. I also got involved in the Big Rail Diversity Challenge which was a social and sport based event where I got to be involved with hundreds of other people in rail outside of Siemens.

Yes

Siemens is a lovely place to work, where the culture of inclusion and excellence is celebrated. There is not an unrealistic burden on employees to be a certain way and difference is encouraged as this is what leads to diversity in ideas thus unique and creative ideas. There is so many opportunities to network and get closer to colleagues.

I would encourage others to ensure they are up to date on changes and updates within Siemens. i.e. new customers, new sites, part of the business being sold. During the application process, I would suggest being very open and proactive, I would encourage applicants not to give up easily. In interviews and assessment days, I would say to be confident.