Finance Review

I manage the Purchase Ledger department for various AO entities. Where I lead and are responsible for 11 team members. As a department we are responsible for processing supplier invoices, allocating payments, reconciling accounts and paying our suppliers based on their agreed payment terms. We work collaboratively within a Shared Service Centre and part of a wider 100+ employee strong Finance Department.

Yeah I have gained new skills throughout my course, to help me with the following. Create a vision, rapport Building, adapting Communication Styles to Audiences and learning communication styles. HSE Management Standards, Dealing with Difficult Situations, Project Methodology and models to use for problem solving, delegating and root cause analysis. Optimising my Influence.

I enjoyed the virtual sessions on the programme, as I was able to develop my skills and breaking off into groups and completing tasks helped instill what I have learned from the session and how I can work that into my role going forward. This helped me think of real life examples and how I could use these in the furture.

I feel that the provider who we have gone through the programme with was very disorganised, we have had three coaches in the space of 1 year. In which during the transition between coaches we was left without any support for months. The course has gone over the timescale it should have taken due to this and constant delays with the programme and support provided.

I received support from my Manager regularly, but not from AO apart from at the beginning of the programme. The L&D team have never been in touch during the 18 months I have been on this programme apart from now as the provider can no longer support this course.

At the beginning the support was ok from the first coach, the second coach was much better organised and helped us get back on track, as we was several months behind due to the support we received and the missing months without any coach support. The third coach was also helpful and has assisted me in getting to the end of my qualification.

It has helped me perform better and complete projects. I have gained knowledge, skills and behaviour tools and tips which I use on a day to day basis. Whether that be with my direct team, other stakeholders or when I have been working on projects within the last 18 months.

Yeah they offer various activities whether that be around the office or out of hours. They always promote the culture by carrying out events. They also offer two days a year for all employees where you have the opportunity to help out a charity of your choice and make a difference.

Yes

AO is a great place to work and the people are very friendly. They are passionate about the culture and the benefits they offer are really great. Such as the canteen, fun activities they arrange. Also the personal employee benefits offered too all employees is great such as holidays, sickness, arena events etc.

Be prepared to work in a fun environment which isn't like many other businesses. If you work hard then the company will give back and have many opportunities to develop your skills or career though courses, support, qualifications or career progression as we always try to promote internally instead of external.