Financial Reconciliations Team Lead Review

I manage a team of five Financial Reconcilers who look after roughly forty balance sheet nominals. The core purpose of our team is to ensure that transactions are reconciled accurately and promptly, enabling a smooth experience for the society's customers.

Yes, I have learned a wealth of leadership and management skills in my role, including how to prioritise and delegate efficiently and effectively, and how to manage and support both strong and under performers.

I'm enjoying being able to develop my knowledge of accountancy whilst working in a finance related role. The further I progress through my studies, the more I am able to apply theoretical concepts to my practical work which enables me to understand it more quickly.

My programme is well structured. I like that the courses are split over two weeks as they are very content heavy and it can feel quite full on being in lectures for 7 hours a day. Splitting the days enables you to digest what you've been taught.

My line manager is very supportive and flexible with regards to granting me time off to attend courses and exams.

I have quarterly catch ups with my Skills Coach and I am able to email tutors on an ad hoc basis outside of lectures if I require extra support, although the apprenticeship does require a high level of discipline and independence.

My current role is more people management focused than accounting based, so currently I cannot relate very much of what I am studying to my day-to-day role, however I believe this will change as I progress within the finance sector in future.

Yes, I attend social events such as a Summer BBQ, bowling, Christmas meals etc. with my colleagues. There are also quarterly Financial Reporting events held at Head Office which provide an opportunity to network with the wider Finance community.

Yes

Nationwide is a supportive and collaborative place to work, with lots of perks and benefits such as a competitive annual leave allowance, pension scheme and annual bonus.

Be yourself, plan for your interviews by using the STAR method and focusing on key skills and competencies, having relevant examples at hand to draw upon.