Financial Operations Manager Review

I am the Financial Operations Manager , and my responsibilities include managing the divisional accounts team, managing the purchase ledger, from ensuring the invoices are recorded promptly, and that payments are made to suppliers. I manage the processing of the management accounts and bank reconciliations. I manage the closure of the ledgers at month end, and am, responsible for month end journals. I produce the monthly balance sheet reconciliations.

Many, the job role I have today has a great deal more responsibilities towards the financial management of the division than it did prior to me starting the apprenticeship. Being able to produce reconciliations and having an in depth understanding of how to calculate and process the monthly provisions has been a new skill, which I would not be able to perform my current role without.

I enjoyed the programme very much, and am now just awaiting the final part of my EPA to conclude it. My mentor Mandy at Learning Skills has been supportive throughout, on both a professional and personal level, and they employed a brilliant training provider who made the online lessons engaging and easy to understand.

The programme has been very well organised. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] at Learning Skills has been available at all points when I have needed advice or assistance, and has coached me through the more admin heavy aspects of the course. CTF Training, who provided the training and materials, were very organised, hardcopy materials were always promptly received, and the timeline from starting to a module to sitting the exam was carefully planned and managed - I never had to chase for anything.

The support I have received from my employer has been to an expected level. I have been allowed all the time I have needed away from the office to study, and prepare for exams. My workplace mentor has made himself available at key times when I have required assistance, and has allowed me freedom to plan my own learning.

I have loved this course, and a large part of this has been down to the support I have received from Learning Skills Partnership. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is always available, and goes above and beyond what I would expect. She is approachable, empathetic and encouraging. Whatever is going on, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] always approaches things with a positive, can-do attitude. She has really lifted my spirits and pushed me on when I have lacked confidence.

I would not be able to perform the role I am doing today had I not been working towards this apprenticeship. I have learned many many new accounting skills which I now have to apply to my role on a daily basis. It is not so much the qualification, but more the skills themselves which have got me here.

Not really, some of us will get together for informal meet ups from time to time, but there is nothing structured. I have made suggestions, such as volunteering days, and we did used to have Christmas parties, but they were cancelled through covid. We did have a drive to do a collection for Ukraine, which was well received and engaged with. A bit more consideration in this area would have a positive impact.

Yes

The company is very much people focussed. There is flexibility where needed, staff development is key, and the company is committed to developing it's people. The benefits, such as the EAP provision, provision for mental health first aiders, is good and forward thinking. There are opportunities for progression to candidates who show themselves capable and willing to learn.

I wouldn't hesitate. This is a good solid company, who performs well, and is well managed. There are opportunities for development, and many people around who will commit time to help you develop. The business makes you feel like your contribution is appreciated on an individual level. My team has a very low turnover, and I think this is indicative of a good employer.