Accounts Assistant Apprentice Review

I have worked in four teams within the Finance Operations department. In Cash Processing I processed cheques daily and allocated unmatched cash. In Customer Accounts I cleared accounts for customers through write-offs and calculating new settlement figures In Bank Processing I processed payments to retailers, and received and distributed payments from customers to the correct accounts. In Accounts Payable I have reviewed, and paid, Staff Expenses. I have also been involved in the relationships with, and accounts of, suppliers and retailers.

The main skills I have learnt are social skills. I have interacted with different types of people, and discovered how to quickly adapt myself to fit teams that require particular styles of working, whether it's fast paced or more reliant on departmental interaction. I have learnt office etiquette as well, teaching me to be more time-efficient and work on upward management. I have improved my IT Skills, Excel has improved drastically, along with my typing speed.

I enjoy my programme, because it has guided me to see what I like and dislike within a role in Finance, or an office in general. It has provided me with an insight into a typical working environment and has tasked me with responsibility. I get to interact with other apprentices, in other companies, on my day at college, who are at the same stage as me.

My programme has been organised well by my manager as I have had in-depth overviews of every team and task. I have spent enough time in each team to understand the processes and take responsibility for tasks. Meanwhile, my college day release has allowed me to complete my exams and studies. I began the Level 3 AAT once I was settled and this blended well with work.

I receive a lot of support from my mentor and line manager. I have regular catch ups about the role I am in and my studies. They regularly ask if I would benefit from seeing or completing any tasks. They also offer support with exams. I have attended a few Life Skill Sessions run by work as well.

My training provider offers support while working towards my qualifications. The Workplace Trainer is great. She visits me at work every 12 weeks to carry out observations and reviews. She provides guidance about the exams and evidence for our portfolios. The AAT Website offers study support as well, there are practice exams online to use.

The qualification helps me in my work because I only see one department in the Financial Services company. The qualification lets me see the entire accounting process, which shows me how my daily roles fit into the wider organisation. Not only that, I have learnt about the ethical principles and how Excel can be used to manipulate data.

There are networking events every month or two. There are always opportunities to socialise with colleagues and external guests. My department hosts social activities once a quarter, like Go-Karting or the annual treasure hunt. There are sports teams too. I attend the weekly HIIT Class offered alongside Pilates and Yoga.

Yes

This is a very friendly, working environment, there is a strong sense of community. There are many perks and people are rewarded for their achievements. Colleagues are always eager to offer guidance while training as well.The managers are very supportive and will ensure you are growing in your career and as a person.

I would advise anyone applying to Volkswagen Financial Services to be very open to every opportunity given, such as Innovation Live sessions and Digital Download projects. As it is such a friendly environment I would suggest they commit to the role and engage with other teams, to take the chance to build their network.