Finance Apprentice Review

On a daily basis I send out reports to stakeholders across the business. I am also responsible for ensuring the master data for all SKUs is correct, and updating this for any new materials. In short, I am responsible for taking numbers from our systems and displaying them in an effective way to stakeholders.

I have learnt many new skills as well as developing all outstanding ones. Firstly, my confidence has boosted immensely. I have always been happy to approach anyone, but when you know of some peoples seniority it can be quite daunting to speak to them. I have learnt this fear is unnecessary. My use of programmes from excel to more specific to Nestle programmes has expanded hugely. I am now confident in not only using these programmes but also problem solving with these.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I am able to be myself and showcase my unique skills. I have been able to get involved in projects where I can communicate and network with colleagues across the business, within and outside of finance. Also, I have learnt benefited from many well-being programmes where I have learnt skills which I can take outside of work.

We have many processes which are performed on certain days. This helps with knowing what to do and when, as well as avoiding huge amounts of communication to be necessary to ensure reports are received when expected. Also, I am given every Friday as a study day which helps me plan my week and people know when I am around.

I receive a huge amount of support from my employer. If I have any questions my line manager is always there, and failing that everyone in my team is only a message away. It is understood that I do not have the same experience as everyone else and everyone goes out of their way to help.

Kaplan have been fantastic for me. I have a catch up with my talent coach every 6 weeks. She guides me through the programme, making me aware of what I must do now and what will come, ie the end-point assessment. She lays out a rough plan for my exam to see when I can expect to complete.

Much of what I have learnt through my accounting exams comes up in daily-monthly tasks. This match enables me to get a deeper understanding of what I do at work as well as being able to learn the content of the exam quicker as I already have a first-hand experience of the process. An example of this would be analysing variances.

We have many networking events which are organised to create a hub for new starters. I have met many other new starters who are in the same boat as me and can relate to emotions and progress. Also, within the businesses we report for, we have monthly team days where we all meet in real life and often go for dinner after. This creates a friendly and relaxed environment to get to know individuals.

Yes

Nestle is a fantastic company to work for. We work with flexibility, meaning we can chose our hours (to some extent) which means work can fit around you if need be. Also, being such a huge company there are many opportunities for development. Within finance there are many teams at different levels to be able to look to move to in the future.

During the whole process ensure that you are yourself and paint the best picture of you! The process is as non-bias as possible and even the interviewers have been in your position before. Consider the qualities on the job advert, and find examples where you meet these criteria. This will sound great to the interviewees as you are showcasing that you have what they are looking for.