Trainee Management Accountant Review

I work in the Central Finance team of one of the divisions within Siemens as a Trainee Management Accountant. My role includes posting Journals, and looking into how much the business owes and is owed by their customers. I work closely with the finance team to collate all the information at month end to allow the managers of the business to review information quickly and easily.

I am studying for my CIMA qualification so am learning a lot about Management Accounting along the way. I have also taken part in Excel courses and presentation courses to help with everyday improvement of the skills that are required for my job. I have learnt how to interact and compose myself in both participating in, and leading meetings. My Excel skills in particular tested, however this has helped me develop my skills a great deal, and I now feel much more comfortable when using Spreadsheets.

I really enjoy the jobs I partake in at work as it allows me to see how the business is run. I work in a team who are focused on the work that needs doing, but always have time to help each other out if anyone has any problems. I really enjoy my apprenticeship and look forward to rotating roles to look at the other areas of the business and see what I can offer to the company.

I have monthly meetings with my Line Manager, which keeps me updated on my progress and allows him to tell me what I need to improve on, and also a time to reflect on what I have achieved each month. I am involved in a lot of small projects in the team working out costs for the business as well as looking at the taxation for the year, which allows me to work with other members of the finance team and get involved in all the different projects where I feel my view is very much valued.

We had a week long induction as well as a pre-induction day to allow us to get to know the other people on the Academy. I receive a lot of support for my exams from both my fellow colleagues and my managers, which makes taking the exams easier. The scheme works well and communication between members of the Academy is frequent which helps when it comes to both hurdles at work, and during exams.

I receive a lot of support from our Training Provider, as we have a Question Based Day which is focused on our questions before the exam. This enables us to be fully ready for the exam to achieve the best grade possible. For the Apprenticeship work we complete we also receive a lot of support when it comes to completing assignments. All our tutors are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about Assignments or CIMA exams.

I receive a lot of support from my Line Manager when it comes to my exams and my Assignments as he allows me time at work to complete Assignments. I receive a lot of support from the other academy students as well, which is great as many of them have been in the same place before me or are in that place at the moment. This allows us to share ideas about different problems that we are all having with the work that is set for us.

I had to move away from home when I took this job, and I was never worried that the amount paid to me wouldn't be enough to support Rent, Maintenance Costs, Food Bills and social costs, and this is certainly the case. If you budget well you are able to make the most of the salary you receive and will also be able to save up some money for the future.

Each site offers their own range of sports and social clubs from Yoga at lunchtime to after work football teams. You also have the opportunity to get involved in promotional activities, for example School Fairs and even bigger Careers events at places like the NEC. This is really good for building Networks with other people in the business. We also go out for team meals at Christmas and Birthdays, as well as other activities for example Bowling and Bingo.

Yes

Siemens is a great place to work. There are endless opportunities for you to develop both you personal skills as well as you technical skills on programmes such as Excel and Powerpoint. You are also able to see how a multinational business works, from within all the different departments that you have the opportunities to work in. Being an SFCA Student allows you to build really strong connections with other students who are at the same stage as you, as well as those who have already experienced what you are going through.

When applying for the role, make sure it is something that you are passionate about and this will be sure to come over in your application. Prepare well for the interviews and Assessment Days and make sure you look smart and engage well with the other candidates.