finance assistant Review
at Devon County Council
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Exeter
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
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 have the role of a finance assistant within the revenue department. My day-to-day responsibilities include investigating payments that the council have received to try and find their intended place to allocate them. Along side, I also do a hand full of cashiers work for schools, companies, banks and individuals.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the apprenticeship programme very much. I find having one study day a week very beneficial as it allows me to collect all my knowledge and new skills and document them regularly. I like the internal and external communication with my tutor and fellow apprenticeship peers. I also like Bud system of a 'tick list'
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since starting my apprenticeship I have developed and learnt new skills revolving around project management. I have conducted my own project within my department which has helped assist with getting all payments reconciled before the end of the tax year. This has also come with the skill of project documentation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I think my programme is well structured and organised and this shows through their central system BUD. I find it easy to locate tasks, activity details and deadlines. If i ever have any questions y tutor is always responsive to calls and emails, as well as scheduling regular monthly reviews.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive reoccurring and regular support from my employer regarding my apprenticeship. They allow me to have one study day a week, solely away from my day-to-day responsibilities. They also provide me with witness statements when requested and set me tasks that will go against my apprenticeship specifications to ensure i am always on target.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good amount of support from my training provider when working towards my qualification. As i transferred providers half way through my training i felt slightly up in the air and confused and Paragon have put me back on track and are entering me in to gateway earlier, which I have been waiting for.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel my qualification helps me understand business fundamentals on a deeper and wider level which i can apply to my work when dealing with stakeholders, stock, payments etc. It has also improved my time management and organisation, helping me to plan my days in a efficient and effective way.
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
With being a apprentice comes the networking session which takes place every three months, this is where all apprentices from Devon County Council join, face-to-face or remotely and have a catch up about recent events, opportunities and day to day lives. I have attended a number of these (formally with senior members of management and informally at coffee shops etc)
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Devon County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe being a employee of Devon County Council comes with a number of opportunities, to develop your skills, finances and career. There are so many different departments to explore / widen your experiences. They also promote a healthy life style with the combination of working from home and in the office.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Devon County Council?
My tip to anyone interested in joining Devon County Council is to take every opportunity given to you, whether that be departmental or relating to study/qualifications, even if nothing comes of it it's all about growing your skill set/experiences. My advice would mostly be to join the apprenticeship scheme.
