Finance Apprentice Review

I am currently in my second rotation within Order to Cash. I work on looking over manual payments and making sure they are paid on time, and working in the credit risk team and supporting my studies here analysing different financial statements such as Statement of Financial Position and Profit and Loss.

I have been able to develop my excel skills immensely, as I had little knowledge on excel prior to the apprenticeship. I have been able to develop my verbal communication skills through presenting and discussions on teams meetings, and written communication through emails and development tasks that I have to complete for my qualification.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on. It has taught me lots of valuable skills and knowledge and has enabled me to be pushed outside of my comfort zone. I have been able to network with lots of colleagues all over the world, even travelling to the Macclesfield and Warsaw sites.

The programme is organised to an extent, all the rotations had been decided before we started so we was able to communicate with our new managers before our first day. Our rotation dates were clear but then changed during the programme but with lots of warning and we know now what the future steps are.

I receive lots of support from my employer. I have my line manager who I am in contact with everyday and a mentor that I have monthly catch ups with but also see around the office. I have the programme coordinator/actual manager who I report to and other team members who are able to support with work.

I receive lots of support from my training provider. I a have a skills and development coach who I have catch ups with every few months but will always keep me up to date and I will email with any problems. The tutors support with any queries in class and extra help outside but we have one tutor who helps us with all the courses and support with the whole course.

By doing the qualification has enables me to gain a better accounting understanding and has helped me in tasks that I have had to complete at work. Not all the tasks I complete at work links in to the qualification but it has helped me perform better in my role.

Yes, there are extra activities. You are provided with one volunteering day a year where you can help out in the local community which is very rewarding. There are networking events inside and outside work hours with other apprentices such has lunches and bowling and I have seen some colleagues involved in sports teams.

Yes

I would definitely recommend AstraZeneca to a friend. It is such a supporting company who want the best for the apprentices and has the best opportunities in an apprenticeship role and after the apprenticeship finishes. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help, providing an amazing start to your career.

Advice that I would give others applying for AstraZeneca is be yourself and be confident. Have an interest in the company and what they do. Be willing to learn and take on advice. Do not be disappointed if you get rejected, applying for an apprenticeship is a difficult process - it will only make you stronger!!