Graduate Accountant Trainee Review

Item: Graduate Accountant Trainee at Nottingham Trent University
Rating: 4.6
Author: Anonymous

at Nottingham Trent University

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting

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

4.4/5 - 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 am currently situated in the Management Accounts team. I am the management accountant for Academic Registry and Student Services. This involves monthly reports for budget holders, quarterly reforecasts and setting budgets for the next academic year. I will change departments within finance at the end of my first year of employment. I am also studying for my ACCA at the same time and sit exams every quarter

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I am thoroughly enjoying working at NTU. My line manager set aside a great deal of time in the beginning to explain my day-to-day tasks and what was expected of me as a management accountant. I now have a thorough understanding of my role and am confident in my accounting decisions and advice for budget holders. I also love the atmosphere at the office and the grad/placement students all get on exceptionally well.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Yes- almost everything I do in my day-to-day role within management accounts I have learnt on the job. This experience has been invaluable and will be exceptionally useful in future roles.
My studying has also provided me with the technical knowledge which I have had opportunities to put into practice at NTU.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

Quite well structured. There is no set time to be with any one department but NTU do make sure that you get the required experience needed to pass the apprenticeship scheme. Day-to-day you report to your line manager of the department you are situated in but you also have a grad-scheme line manager who oversees your development.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Lots. When it comes to studying I get one afternoon off work a week to study and I also receive the day before an exam off to revise. My line manager also provides me with lots of support in my role in management accounts. There is always someone you can call and ask for help if you are unsure- everyone was new once!

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

5/5

As mentioned above. NTU are generous with their time off surrounding studying needs. We get one afternoon a week off work to study and the day before an exam off to revise. I also have catch-up sessions with the Finance Project Officer who oversees where I am in my studies and sets attainable targets

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

4/5

Studying my ACCA provides me with the technical knowledge to understand the reason why I have to do certain tasks in specific ways. Staying organised in my studies also helps me stay organised with work. I have had to manage my time effectively which is a good life skill.

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

4/5

As I work at a University there are loads of extra-curricular opportunities for staff as we can take advantage of the facilities. There's sport (competitively or the 'play-for-fun' scheme), the gym, orchestra, choir, walking groups or networking events. As I started my role in July 2020 I haven't yet had the opportunity to attend many activities as it has been against government guidelines but I look forward to when I can.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Nottingham Trent University to a friend?

Yes

Why?

A great place to work for personal development- NTU take care of their staff. The staff are also incredibly friendly and even whilst working from home I already feel part of the team.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Nottingham Trent University?

You can never be over-prepared for an interview. Do as much research as you can about working in higher education and draw on relevant personal experiences which relate to the role you are applying for.

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