Finance Apprentice Review

Production and issuance of invoices for management fees to customers, assisting with the production of month end accruals, preparation of investment management agreement review for audit purposes, preparation of balance sheet reconciliations, raise payment requests for rebates, minute taking in monthly income review meetings with business partners, raise payment requests for rebates

I have developed my time management skills through balancing work and study as well as soft skills like communication and networking. My qualification has allowed me to learn skills specific to my role, such as preparing financial statements. I now am more proficient in Excel and know how to use Power BI tools thanks to internal training courses. Access to LinkedIn Learning has also allowed me to explore skills not necessary to my role, such as using SQL databases.

I enjoy my programme. The company culture at M&G is very inclusive and welcoming, throughout my time here I have faced a personal issue and received a lot of support. Everyone is friendly and willing to help. The work/life balance is great and flexible working is encouraged and accepted.

At the start of the programme, there is two days induction as a cohort, and throughout the programme there are frequent meetings and check-ins as a group to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Prior to the programme, a learning plan is created which ensures a structure throughout. However, the learning provider is not as organised in comparison, with review calls being quite far apart.

A lot of support is received from M&G. I have a mentor and coach that give me advice and are there for any queries I may have related to work. I have daily catch ups with my manager to discuss how everything is going and bring up any concerns. Support is also given on a personal level, with support for mental health and compassionate leave.

My training provider gives a good amount of guidance and support throughout the professional exams aspect, with tutors being very helpful and available to answer any questions you may have. For the skills and behaviour aspect, perhaps the material could be better as it gives little guidance and doesn't bring much value. I also feel that review calls should happen more often, though I understand this would create a large workload for them.

My qualification has taught me skills that are used on a daily basis in my role, and not only has it allowed me to know the steps to take in completing tasks but also the theory behind it. It has taught me a lot about the industry and standards that need to be upheld.

There are many extra-curricular activities, with most being centred around charity and social mobility. I have been involved in a few workshops to prospective candidates to tell them about my experience as an apprentice and give advice. There are also social events throughout the year, for example at Christmas there was a party and a few months ago we received pizza kits. We also had a challenge in November to get into teams and do as many steps as possible in a day to raise money for charity.

Yes

The culture at M&G is great, it is very pleasant to be in and is truly shown in the behaviours of my colleagues. The values it stands for are truly lived by, and are not just words on a website. The level of support offered is great especially at such an early stage in my career. The policies are thoughtful and truly consider our health and other commitments outside of work.

The main advice I would give for the application process is to do research and know about the company and industry - it's important to know what M&G does and what it stands for, as well as current events/changes/movements in the industry, such as the rise in alternative investments. Another important thing is to be yourself, I've found that M&G are more concerned with the person and their potential than fitting into a box.