Financial Reconciliations Team Lead Review
at Nationwide
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
Swindon, Wiltshire
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
3.8 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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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 manage a team of five Financial Reconcilers who look after roughly forty balance sheet nominals. The core purpose of our team is to ensure that transactions are reconciled accurately and promptly, enabling a smooth experience for the society's customers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I'm enjoying being able to develop my knowledge of accountancy whilst working in a finance related role. The further I progress through my studies, the more I am able to apply theoretical concepts to my practical work which enables me to understand it more quickly.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have learned a wealth of leadership and management skills in my role, including how to prioritise and delegate efficiently and effectively, and how to manage and support both strong and under performers.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme is well structured. I like that the courses are split over two weeks as they are very content heavy and it can feel quite full on being in lectures for 7 hours a day. Splitting the days enables you to digest what you've been taught.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My line manager is very supportive and flexible with regards to granting me time off to attend courses and exams.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have quarterly catch ups with my Skills Coach and I am able to email tutors on an ad hoc basis outside of lectures if I require extra support, although the apprenticeship does require a high level of discipline and independence.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My current role is more people management focused than accounting based, so currently I cannot relate very much of what I am studying to my day-to-day role, however I believe this will change as I progress within the finance sector in future.
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
Yes, I attend social events such as a Summer BBQ, bowling, Christmas meals etc. with my colleagues. There are also quarterly Financial Reporting events held at Head Office which provide an opportunity to network with the wider Finance community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Nationwide to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Nationwide is a supportive and collaborative place to work, with lots of perks and benefits such as a competitive annual leave allowance, pension scheme and annual bonus.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Nationwide?
Be yourself, plan for your interviews by using the STAR method and focusing on key skills and competencies, having relevant examples at hand to draw upon.
