Finance Assistant Review

I am the finance assistant in a small finance team, of two people. I work closely with the head of finance and other departments and as I work for a small but growing company by job is very varied. My regular tasks include checking customers are up top date with payments, making sure we are up to date paying suppliers, creating visual analysis of different KPI’s. I have started to support the month end processes and also do a lot of one off project tasks depending on what the management team are interested in digging in to.

I had some experience working in a finance department before I started but I have learnt so much more whilst working here. My manager has taught me lots of excel skills and I have learnt about how the finance function works with the rest of the company. I have also grown in confidence. I also get the opportunity and support to ask for any extra training I feel that I need.

Very much so, I really enjoy coming in to work and really feel like I have found my place. The team have been really welcoming and my manager is a great role model to learn from. I have lots of opportunities available and love the culture. I Also enjoy the actual learning side of the apprenticeship. The course is easy to follow and I enjoy the work and getting better understanding of my role.

At work I have regular 1:1 meetings with my manager to discuss my progress and future objectives as well as plans to achieve these. I have a regular study day and my manager is very helpful if I have any questions. I have also had the opportunity of sitting in on other team meetings or shadowing to support modules on marketing or sales. My modules for my exams with my training provider are very well written and easy to follow. I like the structure with learning and regular assessments to asses where I am at and my weaker areas to help me prepare for my exams. However I feel like the organisation of my training provider is lacking. We chose Kaplan as I had already completed my Level 4 qualification with them but I have had 4 talent coaches within a year which causes disruption and I find that a lot of my questions do not get answered.

My employer is very supportive. I have a regular study day where I can completely log off from work. I have open communication with my manager about my workload and my manager helps me to balance working and studying and can be flexible depending on requirements. We discuss my current and future needs in regular, informal 1:1 meetings and I am listened to. There is a nurturing culture at Panache and I feel encouraged and my achievements are recognised and celebrated whilst also having understanding and support when I have setbacks or make mistakes.

When I am undertaking the modules for exams the tutors are very helpful and the resources are detailed and easy to follow. I feel very prepared for the exams and have passed all the ones I have competed so far first time. I do feel like Kaplans talent coaches are not as helpful and the structure feels unorganized. I have had 4 talent coaches in a year and this has caused disruption and delays for my studying. When I have questions or queries my talent coaches often can’t answer and will direct me to the student services helpline which give generic answers as they don’t know me well enough to give proper advice.

The CIMA qualification covers a wide range of knowledge and skills. I feel that I can add value to my company and suggest ideas and well as have a good understanding of what is going on around me. The learning that is part of the exams also focuses on the future role of accountants which will set me up for a long career and encourages continuous development.

In the two month I have been here I have had lots of other opportunities that give me a well rounded job. I have been involved in charity campaigns, social events and even a networking event, conference and awards gala abroad. We have weekly team meetings so it feels like there is a strong sense of being a team. As the company is still small there are not really any sports activities but there is certainly enough socially to make the role interesting and exciting.

Yes

Yes, I love working here. The opportunities I get are really special and the culture is really supportive and welcoming. It is a enjoyable place to work and the company invests a lot into its employees which makes me like working here. There are lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

I found this vacancy on LinkedIn so I would definitely recommend this route and keeping tabs on companies you would like to work for. As I had wanted to get into the industry I followed companies and people I was interested in. The managing director posted about the vacancy and I decided to apply as I had gained enough skills and experience through previous roles. I think being interested in a company and having a good idea of what they are doing and their future goals is important. As it shows you are interested and also gives you an idea of if it is somewhere you would like to work. I would also recommend taking opportunities to boost your skills such as free courses online or conferences as these give you something to talk about in your interview and set you apart from other candidates.