Finance Assistant Review

Providing financial support to Direct Payments Clients (adult social care). Day to day auditing of spending etc. Ensuring that clients receive the support they need in arranging care. General day to day tasks include resolving queries, emails, phone calls, processing payments to clients. Monitoring the council spending of public funds.

Yes, as I have completed the NVQ level 3 business administration apprenticeship, I have developed a deeper understanding of the way that businesses work, how stakeholders fit in with the functional operations of business, the importance of different laws and how these govern activity within the sector that I work.

I have enjoyed all aspects of the programme, the research and carrying out the different tasks. Feeling part of the college team has been difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, but I have felt well supported by my tutor and employer. Very happy and would recommend to anyone.

Very well structured, you can go as quickly or as slowly as you wish, and the work is varied. Suitable for people of all IT skills and acccessible at any time due to the online working facility - Onefile was used to submit my work etc. The programme appeared to flow well.

Although it was hard to put time aside due to the nature of my work and the demands on our service, I felt well supported and encouraged to work on the programme and have been offered places on further courses based on my success in this NVQ apprenticeship.

Blackpool College assigned a tutor to me from the start of the programme. Dee has been very supportive and encouraging, genuinely interested in me doing well on the course and in my personal and professional development. Although all meetings have been over the phone due to lockdown I have still felt well supported.

I know how to organise my work, how to deal with stakeholders etc., I have been able to better carry out my day to day work and to prioritise tasks. I am also more aware of the laws and legislations surrounding my work, GDPR and data protection, so this is used every day.

Not at present due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, however i understand that there are walking groups being arranged for the future, which helps with fitness and supporting people with their mental health. Active Blackpool is also in place which encourages people to attend fitness sessions.

Yes

I feel well supported by the organisation, it is friendly and the people are approachable. The company also encourages personal and professional development and to go onto courses etc. through it's close partnership with Blackpool and the Fylde College. It puts it's customers at the heart of everything that it does.

Be prepared to work hard, to be dedicated professionally and personally. Also be prepared to take on any courses or professional development opportunities that may be offered to you. Show that you are conscientious and hard working and you should go far. Be prepared to represent the company in a good way in all aspects of your life.