Intercompany accountant Review

My role at 3M is centred around intercompany and inventory accounting. I perform work for multiple 3M countries, meaning that my day-to-day tasks involve working with finance teams in the UK as well as 3M subsidiaries in other countries. My responsibilities include performing reconciliations of accounts, processing invoices & rebates, and creating reports for analysts.

I have gained a level 3 & Level 4 AAT Accounting qualifications in my time at 3M. I have also vastly improved my other professional skills, such as presenting & working to deadlines. As well as this, working with programs such as SAP and Excel on a daily basis have made me proficient with these.

My training programme and work at 3M has been very enjoyable; it has introduced me to a great number of new people; my team is great and always willing to help if I ever run into a problem. The company culture is also great, with lots of opportunities outside of work for clubs and sports etc.

I feel very valued, through the appreciation and thanks I receive from colleagues. My supervisor will often support me or ask if I need any help to make sure I'm comfortable with the work I'm doing. I am treated as an equal within the team and will therefore be given substantial responsibilities in projects or work that requires a group effort.

I spend one day a week at an external training provider; with the other four spent at the 3M office. We have plenty of reviews and opportunities to catch up with our apprenticeship managers to make sure we meet deadlines and are not having any issues at work or college; which helps manage the work load.

There is plenty of support available from tutors if you are struggling with a particular topic in classes; and the tutors provide us with their phone number and email so that we can contact them for any issues we might have. We have been provided with comprehensive notes for the courses with plenty of practice examples to make the exams easier.

I receive a lot of help and training by colleagues on job-specific tasks, and there are plenty of people I could ask for guidance. My manager always ensures I have plenty of work to do as well as making sure I am fine with the work I am assigned. There are also multiple other apprentices on the same course as me who are always able to help with any qualification related issues.

The salary is not substantial - enough to pay for travel expenses and daily costs. Travel to college is covered through 3M's expenses. I am fortunate enough to be living at home, so I have fewer expenses than some might; I would imagine it may be difficult to fund my living expenses if not for this.

There are a multitude of clubs and groups to join at 3M, with occasional events and socials. There are sports groups for football/touch rugby & many other sports, which makes it easier to network and socialise within 3M. There is a gym available to all 3M workers for £20 per month, which is open 24/7.

Yes

You can gain work experience and a qualification in an area you're interested in. You will learn a lot, and you will pick up and learn many skills. There are plenty of opportunities in an array of different business areas of your choosing.

Prepare well for the interviews, make sure you know plenty about 3M as a company - there was a short aptitude test we took during our interview day. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions when you first start - 3M was my first experience at a real office job - it took some getting used to and a lot of questions to learn how things work. Everybody makes mistakes!