Finance Graduate Review

I work as a finance business partner in the commercial lines team. This involves offering financial support to the business when needed to support on decision making. I use excel day to day, looking at historical performance and forward looking views and support on collating commentary as part of the reporting process.

I use excel daily and this skill has been developed during the course of my time on the apprenticeship. I use excel to show historical and forward -ooking summaries, and also for modelling to support on business decisions. I have been able to tailor modelling to the business ask so that it gives people exactly what they need.

I have really enjoyed this programme, with the main appeal being that we rotate round different roles. This has given me the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, extend my network and gain a large understanding for different parts of Finance. It has helped me to understand what roles I would want to do once the programme comes to an end.

The programme is well structured in terms of the rotations given and the variety of roles available. I think more could be done to structure the exams, as it would be good to have someone overseeing the scheme and making sure exams are all booked in and on track.

I receive large amounts of support from my employer. I am given the time for classes and study leave in the run up to exams which enables me to be able to prepare for them. On a monthly basis, I have regular 121s with various people across Finance outside of my direct team which I find hugely beneficial to discuss any work/development agenda points.

I receive plenty of support in classes and think the revision material provided by Kaplan is excellent. However, I think the talent coach support is really poor and needs to be changed. The sessions held very much feel like a tick box exercise and I have been wrongly advised on exam progression which has delayed the pace I was able to move through my exams.

I think the technical understanding I learn in my qualification supports my role and gives me a very good base knowledge on accounting which is key to my role. I think some of it doesn't necessarily contribute to my current role and I learn more from doing my role as opposed to sitting in a classroom.

There are some Diversity and Inclusion groups which we can all get involved in. There are some social activities that occur through the year whether that is in teams or a large Finance activity such a sports day. There isn't anything that occurs on a regular basis which I think there is definitely scope for. I would like to have more networking events.

Yes

It is a really great company to work for and the people make it what it is. I have felt very supported from the first day I joined and I continue to receive this support and if not have received even more since my start point. Everyone is very giving with their time.

I would give advice to research the company, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn for any insight or understanding of the role. Have a good understanding of what the role entails and have questions about the company to show that you are inquisitive and have an understanding of who RSA are and what they do.