finance assistant Review

I have the role of a finance assistant within the revenue department. My day-to-day responsibilities include investigating payments that the council have received to try and find their intended place to allocate them. Along side, I also do a hand full of cashiers work for schools, companies, banks and individuals.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have developed and learnt new skills revolving around project management. I have conducted my own project within my department which has helped assist with getting all payments reconciled before the end of the tax year. This has also come with the skill of project documentation.

I enjoy the apprenticeship programme very much. I find having one study day a week very beneficial as it allows me to collect all my knowledge and new skills and document them regularly. I like the internal and external communication with my tutor and fellow apprenticeship peers. I also like Bud system of a 'tick list'

I think my programme is well structured and organised and this shows through their central system BUD. I find it easy to locate tasks, activity details and deadlines. If i ever have any questions y tutor is always responsive to calls and emails, as well as scheduling regular monthly reviews.

I receive reoccurring and regular support from my employer regarding my apprenticeship. They allow me to have one study day a week, solely away from my day-to-day responsibilities. They also provide me with witness statements when requested and set me tasks that will go against my apprenticeship specifications to ensure i am always on target.

I receive a good amount of support from my training provider when working towards my qualification. As i transferred providers half way through my training i felt slightly up in the air and confused and Paragon have put me back on track and are entering me in to gateway earlier, which I have been waiting for.

I feel my qualification helps me understand business fundamentals on a deeper and wider level which i can apply to my work when dealing with stakeholders, stock, payments etc. It has also improved my time management and organisation, helping me to plan my days in a efficient and effective way.

With being a apprentice comes the networking session which takes place every three months, this is where all apprentices from Devon County Council join, face-to-face or remotely and have a catch up about recent events, opportunities and day to day lives. I have attended a number of these (formally with senior members of management and informally at coffee shops etc)

Yes

I believe being a employee of Devon County Council comes with a number of opportunities, to develop your skills, finances and career. There are so many different departments to explore / widen your experiences. They also promote a healthy life style with the combination of working from home and in the office.

My tip to anyone interested in joining Devon County Council is to take every opportunity given to you, whether that be departmental or relating to study/qualifications, even if nothing comes of it it's all about growing your skill set/experiences. My advice would mostly be to join the apprenticeship scheme.