Professional Accountancy Apprentice Review

As a finance apprentice within Innovation, I support tracking the innovation performance of Unilever products. Some of my responsibilities included: managing the distribution list for innovation training, conducting high-level reviews/analysis; chairing meetings to discuss project financial performance; understand if result shows a realistic representation of the business.

I have learnt so much during this apprenticeship. Learnt the KPIs when doing financial analysis, how they're calculated and what they mean (GTO, ITO and Gross Margin). How to use PowerQuery which makes it easier to manipulate and update data for analysis. Overall, improving my financial acumen and communication.

I enjoy the programme as you are given a variety of tasks (depending on performance naturally) and are given so many opportunities to learn. You are also given plenty of time to work towards completing your CIMA qualification (4 days work and 1 day study leave).

The programme was quite organised as I had team meetings with colleagues to get a general understanding of the team and how they operate. My first working day I was given work with a step-by-step guide shared to update an innovation dashboard on PowerBi. This helped me understand the type of work I will be getting into.

It was difficult to communicate to my line manager as their time zone was several hours ahead and it felt like he wasn’t briefed on how the apprenticeship programme worked. I wasn’t given a clear roadmap on what I’m expected to do even though I asked for one, this would’ve helped me set goals for myself, so I understood what I’m working towards. When I asked questions, I was commonly told to be proactive and ask other colleagues. I wasn’t given 121 support to a level where they made sure I fully understood everything – I had to figure most of the stuff out myself.

Kaplan could have made an onboarding checklist for apprentices, so we fully understand the process and how it works. Kaplan arranges catch up meetings every 6 weeks to see how I’m progressing. In terms of the study part, you will be studying towards Certificate level CIMA and be given textbooks, exam practice books and can choose to be enrolled onto either Ondemand, live online learning or classroom learning where they go through the topics. If you have any questions, you can contact Kaplan where they will be happy to support you.

My role within innovation doesn’t directly apply to all topics but BA3 and BA2 are the most useful which helped me learn how Financial and management accounting works and what the key terminology mean. Overall, giving me a better understanding of how to read the story behind the numbers.

Yes there are lots of activities to attend to.

Yes

You learn so much within a global FMCG like Unilever and even though you're an apprentice. You work with a wide range of people, ranging from graduates to directors. Everyone is supportive, great working environment and you have the flexibility to work in office or at home.

Unilever are looking for future leaders. Someone who doesn't dominate others and giving everyone a chance to voice their opinion. Being articulate and proactive.