Professional accountancy apprenticeship Review
at Unilever
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Kingston upon Thames
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
As a finance apprentice at Unilever PLC, focusing on commercial finance business partnering, my role involves collaborating closely with brand teams. Day-to-day, I assist in financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support the strategic decision-making process. This includes:
Budgeting and Forecasting- Helping to prepare and update financial forecasts, as well as assisting in the development of annual budgets for the brands.
Performance Analysis- Analysing financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying trends, and providing insights to the brand teams to help them understand the financial implications of their strategies.
Reporting Preparing regular financial reports and dashboards that summarize key financial metrics, ensuring that the brand teams have the information they need to monitor performance.
Cost Management- Working on cost analysis and control, ensuring that expenses are in line with budgets and identifying areas for cost savings.
Support for Strategic Initiatives Assisting in the financial evaluation of new product launches, marketing campaigns, and other strategic initiatives, providing data and insights to support business cases.
Ad hoc Analysis- Conducting ad hoc financial analysis and providing insights as required to support decision-making processes.
Overall, my role is to ensure that the brand teams have the financial information and insights they need to make informed business decisions, helping to drive the financial success of brands like Dove and Radox.
Budgeting and Forecasting- Helping to prepare and update financial forecasts, as well as assisting in the development of annual budgets for the brands.
Performance Analysis- Analysing financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying trends, and providing insights to the brand teams to help them understand the financial implications of their strategies.
Reporting Preparing regular financial reports and dashboards that summarize key financial metrics, ensuring that the brand teams have the information they need to monitor performance.
Cost Management- Working on cost analysis and control, ensuring that expenses are in line with budgets and identifying areas for cost savings.
Support for Strategic Initiatives Assisting in the financial evaluation of new product launches, marketing campaigns, and other strategic initiatives, providing data and insights to support business cases.
Ad hoc Analysis- Conducting ad hoc financial analysis and providing insights as required to support decision-making processes.
Overall, my role is to ensure that the brand teams have the financial information and insights they need to make informed business decisions, helping to drive the financial success of brands like Dove and Radox.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy my program as it offers a dynamic blend of financial analysis and strategic collaboration with brand teams. It provides continuous learning opportunities and practical experience, making each day engaging and rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I have developed strong financial analysis and reporting skills, enhanced my proficiency in budgeting and forecasting, and improved my ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Additionally, I've gained practical experience in strategic planning and cost management within the commercial finance sector.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The program is well-organized and structured, offering clear timelines, defined objectives, and comprehensive support. Regular check-ins and a robust framework ensure that I can effectively balance hands-on experience with skill development and learning opportunities.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I receive substantial support from my employer, including regular mentorship, access to training resources, and guidance from experienced professionals. This ensures I can effectively develop my skills and succeed in my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive strong support from my training provider, including regular check-ins, access to comprehensive study materials, and prompt feedback on assignments, all of which help me progress effectively towards my qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification significantly enhances my performance by providing essential financial knowledge and practical skills. It offers valuable insights into industry practices, enabling me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and make more informed decisions in my role.
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, there are various extracurricular activities at work, including social networking events, team-building activities, and professional development workshops. These events provide opportunities to connect with colleagues, enhance my skills, and build a supportive professional network.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Unilever to a friend because it offers a dynamic work environment, excellent career development opportunities, strong support systems, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation. It's a great place to grow professionally while contributing to impactful, global brands.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Research Unilever's values and brands, tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences, and be prepared to demonstrate your passion for sustainability and innovation. Show enthusiasm for continuous learning and collaboration, and ensure you understand the specific role you're applying for.
