Lease Executive Review

I work within a Service and Support function within Contract Management - the Lease Team - acting as a first point of contact for Quote and Order Management teams within Business Operations, Credit Control and BIG Sales and Service employees. I am the main point of contact for analysis and reporting for Lease Finance Teams and am responsible for both managing and analysing the lease portfolio in order to protect company revenue and margins. I ensure that Lease contracts are created, authorised and maintained within agreed SLA’s, alongside conducting relevant financial reconciliations and reports, including: Renewals, LSE015, LSE001, LSE002. I also update, review and investigate STL and OPL LRR Reports. Other key responsibilities include: Calculating and providing a myriad of figures (settlement and upgrade figures, depreciable costs and contractual details), completing financial roll-overs, renewals, terminations and approvals, uploading data into the SOX portal and actively participating in auditing processes. The Lease Team also promote the coaching and the understanding of leasing modules through training, collaborative efforts and the sharing of best practice.

I have developed both my written and verbal communicative skills as a result of the interactive nature of my role, learning to not only actively listen to others but also to ensure that I deliver fundamental ideas, details or messages in a clear and concise manner. I have undertaken several courses and workshops (E.G Presentation skills, collaboration and personal branding) that have enabled me to grow both in confidence and professionalism. My general job responsibilities have also improved my attention to detail and level of accuracy, due to the need for an analytical and logical mindset.

I thoroughly enjoy my role within the Lease Team and have found the apprenticeship very beneficial - it has given me the opportunity to develop skills and practically apply newly learnt material within a working environment. The colleagues with whom I work have been supportive and encouraging, enabling me to successfully learn my responsibilities and complete them as required.

Canon UK ensure that all their apprentices feel valued and appreciated - we are given support throughout the duration of the apprenticeship, both with the qualification itself and also our actual role. Commitment and hard work is often recognised and praised by team leaders and peers, offering further opportunities or rewards (such as a badge for passing a 6 month probabtion) where appropriate.

The programme was organised well - Expectations were made clear upon the first visit and support has been consistent throughout. Meetings and reviews are regular and scheduled, ensuring that any problems or worries can be voiced in confidence - this is true not only for the apprenticeship partner but also internal colleagues and team leaders

My assessor is always available should I ever need assistance or guidance with a particular topic - we frequently exchange emails and have face-face discussions on a monthly basis, ensuring that communication is consistent. I am very grateful for the help that I have received from the training provider.

I am fortunate to claim that I have not encountered any issues within my role, nor with the apprenticeship, that have lead to escalations or the need to discuss matters with my Team Leader/Managers. However, training guidance has been given throughout and the Team within which I work have been supportive since I arrived, offering guidance when needed and ensuring that I have sufficient time to complete all tasks (apprenticeship or job role related).

The salary is fair in comparison to the national minimum wage and the idea that the employer is providing us with an opportunity to gain additional qualification. My personal travel costs can be high due to the location in which I live, however, I acknowledge that this was known and accepted prior to taking the job.

Canon offer all employees the opportunity to take a 'Volunteering Day', by which we are able to offer our services to any charity or cause that we deem worthy for a day instead of attending work. Canon also hold several classes and sessions at lunchtimes for those who wish to engage in physical activities such as yoga, pilates and military fitness.

Yes

The grounds are incredible and the atmosphere within the workplace makes it a comfortable and pleasant place to be. The people are supportive and friendly, regardless of hierarchy or job role - support or assistance is always available, as is the opportunity to develop and learn.

Be confident - do not be afraid to openly express yourself and your skillset, nor to communicate your thoughts and ideas. Take all of the opportunities offered to you with regards to additional training courses or workshops and always ask questions if you do not entirely understand or want to know more; it shows interest and engagement.