Business Plans Team Leader Review
at Post Office
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I lead a team of finance analysts who's job it is to assess business plan from prospective postmasters.
I'm responsible for setting the risk criteria Post Office accepts when appointing new Postmasters, as well as how they are assessed and what information they must provide and complete in order to be considered.
I'm responsible for setting the risk criteria Post Office accepts when appointing new Postmasters, as well as how they are assessed and what information they must provide and complete in order to be considered.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
It's satisfying knowing I'm working towards more challenging opportunities within my career. The qualification allows me to better understand and develop in areas I manage and work in. It has prompted the offering of other finance tasks and duties I would have otherwise not experienced. The course has met my expectations.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed greatly on communication skills, leadership skill and knowledge surrounding business risk and report writing and presenting.
I have learned how to diplomatically approach potentially hostile situations, as well as how to best deliver bad news to staff I manage and other colleagues from separate areas of the business.
I have learned how to diplomatically approach potentially hostile situations, as well as how to best deliver bad news to staff I manage and other colleagues from separate areas of the business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very, they allow you to organize your time as you see fit. There is a set routine of tutor meeting and catch ups with managers, ensuring my CIMA qualification is progressing as it should be. This also gives me ample change to raise any issues I may have or difficulties experienced throughout the course.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Lots - They're committed to assisting me whenever they can. They have offered me tasks and duties in areas of the business I would not normally work or be involved in. This has allowed me to gain valuable experience I would have otherwise not been able to get, giving me practical experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
lots - they have always been able to support me in many ways and continue to do so. I had to take a break from my studies owing to personal complications as well as my workload. During this time, my tutor stepped back and gave me the breathing room I needed, as well as remaining supportive throughout.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I have been offered a number of tasks and opportunities to develop in areas of the business I would not normally work or be involved in. This has allowed me to gain valuable experience I would have otherwise not been able to get, giving me practical experience. These areas include Forecasting, Budgeting and Costs Centre Analysis.
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
Since working form home, owing to the Covid pandemic, we have set up regular social events over Microsoft Teams. Each week we plan an agenda and some games. It's used as a chance to informally catch up with those we'd normally see on a daily basis in the office.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Post Office to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Post Office Ltd is a large company with many opportunities. The employees are very kind and friendly and everyone appears to have a real commitment to help the business thrive and succeed. Owing to the age of the business, there are very clear goals and a warm culture that feels contagious.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Post Office?
Be honest about what it is you're looking to get out of the company - you will be supported by the company in whatever way they can.
You will get out of the company what you put in. Don't be afraid of challenging existing ways of working and introducing new ways!
You will get out of the company what you put in. Don't be afraid of challenging existing ways of working and introducing new ways!
