Assistant Finance Business Analyst Review

Item: Assistant Finance Business Analyst at Babcock International Group
Rating: 4.5
Author: Anonymous

at Babcock International Group

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting

Portsmouth

Review Submitted: March 2021

Overall Rating

4.5 /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!

4.5/5 - 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 work in the central finance reporting team for UK Military Aviation. Responsible for maintaining our financial database and loading, reconciling our monthly profit and loss and balance sheet as part of month-end - taking data from source and upstreaming results to sector. I do weekly cash reporting. Also, issuing management reports to internal stakeholders (leadership team) and external (ONS, Cabinet Office)

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I have only recently started CIMA (chartered management accountancy course), but I have enjoyed so far understanding the real world implications of accounting and how I can apply the technical knowledge in the work environment. I chose CIMA as it's forward thinking with technology and business strategy in the modern world.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Yes, I have learnt SQL (data manipulation language) whilst maintaining our finance database. I have developed my excel and accounting knowledge, particularly the balance sheet, building on what I had learnt from my last job. I have learnt to do cash reporting which was new for me and managing tight deadlines as there are very quick turnarounds at Babcock.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

It is well structured as I have been onboarded well with my boss and HR, it did take some time to know eligibility rules regarding the apprenticeship levy, as it is not very clear. I have good support through regular training catch ups with my boss and tutors at Kaplan.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

As much as I need as my employer looks to help apprentices with our director having started as an apprentice, he really emphasis the importance of having help and tracking apprentices. My boss is happy to look at areas I can fit my studies with work and having ongoing catch ups with Kaplan tutors. They are very positive and helpful.

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

4/5

A lot of support is given as I have access to On Demand courses from Kaplan which is very useful as I have access to lots of material, such as lectures, textbook, question books and integrated workbooks. Also, I am required to complete a training log to track my weekly progress. Any areas I am stuck on I can ask Kaplan.

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

5/5

I think it is highly beneficial as it will deepen my technical knowledge and understanding of accounting. I can already apply some parts to my role and look forward to going deeper into the course and be able to be involved in more senior conversations and scope to do further tasks.

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

3/5

Yes there are groups where we can get involved and seek change and improvement such as covid working and BAME meetings. Due to covid it isn't easy but there have been competitions like Christmas talent show. There are lunch and learn webinars where there are conversations about current topics e.g. mental health, home working. I play cricket outside of work.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Babcock International Group to a friend?

Yes

Why?

It is a very inclusive, dynamic company contributing to great values of society and the UK. It is a challenging fast paced environment where there is a lot to learn and opportunities to progress. No day is the same and the support and development is fantastic for a large FTSE firm.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Babcock International Group?

Be ready to show you are interested in the company and its values. Understand what has happened in the past to the division and business you are applying to. Apply all your relevant skills and knowledge you have experienced to date e.g. education and work experience, and most importantly show you are hungry for the challenge and how you can contribute towards the business.

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