Income and Assessment assisstant Review

As an income assistant for residential care billing, my day to day role includes actioning incoming post and emails, completing BACS reports, answering phone calls from clients and their representatives, and retyping bills to be sent out. This includes full statements of account and final account letters. I also ensure payments reach the correct clients accounts and the auto direct debits collect correctly, amongst other monthly bill run tasks.

I have learnt many new skills since joining the client financial services team. I have developed my skills in using the main finance system, and am able to use other systems which I had only brief knowledge on before. I have developed my skills in excel, and in communicating with clients, especially if there are difficult conversations.

I enjoy learning aspects of business administration that you wouldn't otherwise learn from on the job work. It has also made me meet lots of great new people, and we can support each other through our projects, apprenticeship work and our daily work tasks as part of Devon County Council.

The programme is very well structured and easy to see what outstanding work needs to be completed to finish the qualification. It links into our day to day work in the office which helps bring in real examples and allows us to apply our new knowledge. The Bud portal that we use is very user friendly and we have great communication with our tutor on it.

Our employer is very supportive of our programme. Many people that we work with have also completed similar apprenticeships, and so they know what it is like being in our position. They encourage us to complete as many qualifications as we can, and give us the time in our week to work towards it.

Our training provider is always available to answer any queries that we may have. They respond very quickly and are able to guide us on what to do. When we submit work they provide feedback so that we can make amendments to ensure we meet all the criteria and produce the best possible work.

The qualification gives me knowledge that I can apply to my role. I have learnt about models of project management and task prioritisation that I have gone on to use in my work. These have enabled me to work more efficiently and effectively, manage my time better and structure my project well.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in extra curricular activities. I have volunteered at the Devon County Show this year where we had to manage stools of different farming related activities for primary school aged children to learn about where their food comes from. Some apprentices also organise group meet ups outside of work to do bowling etc. The apprenticeship team also hold online quarterly Teams meetings to network with other finance apprentices.

Yes

It is an amazing employer that provides me with a great work life balance that enables me to enjoy my life as a whole which I haven't managed with other employers. I find the work very interesting and know that it is helping me towards my career. They are very accommodating with apprentices and want us to progress as far as we can.

I would advise them to definitely go for it, and think about what they can bring to the role. It is also important to take every opportunity that comes your way, and work hard as it will pay off and get you far in your career bringing in opportunity for permanent employment.