Financial Analyst Review

The job role is working as a Financial Analyst. This involves producing management information packs; performing variance Analysis; posting journals to the ledger; performing reconciliations between the ledger and systems. I have responsibilities to meet deadlines, suggest improvements where identified and contribute to wider projects.

Through the apprenticeship I have been able to achieve the CIMA Certificate and a Higher National Diploma in Business Accounting. I have also been able to benefit from internal development courses that focused on how to develop my personal branding, presentation skills and how to best make use of received feedback.

The culture in Lloyds is excellent. There is a vast amount of support for personal development. There is a large number of training recourses. Time is always made available to support the apprenticeship and further training. The apprenticeship surpassed my expectations for the opportunities it would give me.

As an apprentice I have been continually made to feel valued. I have been able to meet with senior stakeholders to promote the programme. We have been celebrated at milestones and on completion of the programme. There has always been a dedicated single contact to support us through the programme and to help when any issues arise.

The programme has clear goals yet the structure has developed as the apprenticeship progressed. The employer has taken on feedback to improve for both my programme and the programme that followed. Planning month end/quarter end/holidays/training/exams has been a challenge throughout the programme. It would be helpful if dates were set from the beginning.

The Kaplan tutors have been excellent. They have given huge amounts of support. The training provided has always been professional and useful. The learning has always been more than sufficient to enable the apprentices to pass the exams. The resources provided were also to a high standard. I always enjoyed the day release classes.

There has always been ample support from the employer. There has been great support from colleagues (even those who are not directly involved in managing the programme/apprentices). All are keen to support and to share their knowledge. I have been provided with an exam buddy to help with my studies.

The salary provided is more than sufficient to meet basic needs. It is very competitive in comparison to other apprentice training providers. The benefits and rewards package provided by Lloyds in addition to the salary is also generous. This ensures that as an employee I feel valued and do not look for opportunities elsewhere.

There are a few opportunities outside of work. In particular I have had numerous opportunities to support our partnership with Remploy and provide work experience for members of the community with disabilities. This has provided further opportunities to develop my skillset. There is also a varied social programme that include Christmas parties and Ceilidhs.

Yes

Apprentices have the same opportunities as employees. It provides a chance to gain work experience and professional qualifications while getting paid. There are no prohibitive fees (such as those at universities) so the programme is open to all. The structured programme gives clear career progression opportunities. The work experience is incredibly valuable to your CV.

Prior to the interview you should research the company, in particular look at the strategy of the company; the values of Lloyds Banking Group, and what would be expected of you in the role. You should think of some potential questions your interviewer may ask and prepare some potential questions you could ask at the end of the interview.