Audit and Compliance Apprentice Review

Item: Audit and Compliance Apprentice at First Response Finance Limited
Rating: 4.6
Author: Anonymous

at First Response Finance Limited

Degree Apprenticeship

Finance

Nottingham

Review Submitted: February 2021

Overall Rating

4.6 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.2/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5

I help my team to provide regulatory and quality assurance to all areas of the business. This involves planning, collaborating, confirming and then physically testing any given item that has been requested by the Audit Committee. It involves updating relevant stakeholders with progress and additionally, providing them with recommendations for improvement or sustainability. Furthermore, I also mentor a younger apprentice with academic work.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I really enjoy my program. I have learnt a lot and this increases every day due to my knowledgeable team of experienced compliance practitioners who have over 50 years experience between them. I enjoy the culture at FRFL and feel free to speak my mind. I feel well respected in my role and this goes a long way towards satisfaction.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

During this role, I've learnt:
- Skills to influence stakeholders
- How to implement quality assessment mechanisms
- The importance of team communication and group think / problem solving
- Regulatory and legal knowledge within the finance industry
- How to conduct case reviews in a detailed and methodological way
- Project management skills and the importance of adaptability to suit stakeholder needs.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The program is very well organised and structured. Within the organisation's learning and support team I am allocated a mentor who has completed the same programme as me, having graduated. I can access help with any area of my apprenticeship with him whenever I need to, and he provides me of updates and opportunities for development too. There is a good 'link' between this and my team within the business.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I receive lots of support from different people depending on subject:
- My team: role specific info
- My team leader: role specific info / personal / general workplace info / development opportunities
- My mentor: personal / uni and apprenticeship info / general workplace info / development opportunities
- HR: personal / general workplace info
All are approachable and keen to help

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

3/5

A minimum of a quarterly update with my University based mentor who discusses progress with my degree and portfolio. These are detailed and targets are given in between each. This service has improved in the last 12 months following a period of disorganisation, and there is now a good relationship developing between mentor / workplace / me.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

The degree is ultimately a business degree so some parts are not applicable to my specific organisation. However, some topics such as the work based project, strategic & operational planning and reflective practice modules have changed my view of the business world, my own organisation and also my personal development.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

As an apprentice I have the opportunity to promote the business I work for and the apprenticeship here in general to build community links and recruitment opportunities. This has taken place through social media, producing videos and audience talks.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend First Response Finance Limited to a friend?

Yes

Why?

First Response Finance Limited is a responsible, ethical employer who make every effort to look after their staff, lead through the 'People - Service - Profit' ethos. Staff are remunerated well, there are lots of development opportunities available, there is freedom to learn or do new things 'off the job' in order to build learning and the organisation focuses heavily on well-being.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to First Response Finance Limited?

Be confident but be yourself - FRFL makes a business out of really understanding its customers and building relationships - this extends to its recruitment. Take as many opportunities as you can (there are lots), and have a desire to improve your self and use feedback positively rather than negatively.

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