Finance Apprentice Review
at Amazon
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance, Accounting
Shoreditch, Greater London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
In the Finance and Accounting apprenticeship scheme, you rotate teams and roles each year. In my first year, I worked in a finance team where I analyzed monthly performance metrics, prepared monthly business reviews, posted accruals, and managed the team's reporting process. Currently in my second year, I'm working in a compliance accounting team, where I prepare monthly analytics on Balance Sheet and P&L account movements, compile annual financial statements, manage accruals, and collaborate with legal teams on levies reporting.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme - the work is interesting and I am constantly being involved in new areas. I am given real responsibility, such as managing monthly reporting processes. I also find the CIMA studies interesting, and it's great that I can apply the concepts I have learned in my day-to-day role, like using costing methods and financial analysis. The rotational aspect is great too, as it means we get to see completely different areas of the business and work on different tasks and projects. The people are great - I've had a really supportive team and made lots of friends in my cohort. There are also lots of opportunities to get involved in things, from social events to volunteering projects.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed significantly both professionally and technically. My leadership skills have grown through managing team reporting processes, while my communication skills have strengthened through presenting at monthly business reviews and in meetintgs. I've enhanced my Excel skills, becoming proficient in functions like VLOOKUP and pivot tables for financial analysis. Through my CIMA studies and practical work experience, I've gained strong understanding of accounting principles, which I apply daily in tasks like accruals and financial statement preparation. Working across different teams has improved my teamwork and organizational abilities, especially in managing multiple deadlines and collaborating on cross-team projects.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well organised. There is a central apprenticeship team who oversees all of the apprenticeships and a finance committee that looks after the finance apprenticeship specifically. The scheme is well structured, with three year-long rotations, alongside sufficient support and timelines for CIMA studies and exams.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a good amount of support from my employer. We have the central apprenticeship team and finance committee for questions and guidance, with mentors and buddies too. Managers and teams are highly supportive of the apprenticeship and push for my development at work and get me involved in new areas, while providing time and understanding the importance of our exams.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a good amount of support from my training provider. We have a talent coach who we meet with every 6 weeks who provides support, guidance and feedback on apprenticeship tasks. We also have access to tutor support for each module whenever we need it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that the CIMA qualification helps me perform better in my role as the qualification and role go hand in hand together. It's great to be able to see the link between what I am learning through my training provider and apply it in my role, and vice versa. The concepts I learn, such as accounting fundamentals and financial analysis, directly map into what I do in my day-to-day work, which helps me perform my tasks more effectively
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
There is lots to get involved with. My team has regular socials, including breakfasts, nights out, team parties, and coffee catchups. We also have quarterly socials with the other finance grads, interns and apprentices in the finance scheme, including professional development mornings, sports days and pizza parties. There are also lots of extra-curricular groups you can join with the chance to network or learn new things, such as the Amazon Ski Trip or Leaders in Finance programme.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Amazon to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company has a great and unique culture and promotes work-life harmony. Everyone I have worked with is brilliant and friendly, and you are constantly learning and developing. It is also easy to rotate around in the company, moving between industries from retail to entertainment and satellites. The work is enjoyable and you get to work at a scale and with responsibility that you wouldn't get in smaller companies.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Amazon?
Firstly, think about why you are applying and show that you're passionate about both finance and Amazon. Do thorough research on Amazon's Leadership Principles as these are crucial to the company culture and interview process. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your interview answers to structure your examples clearly. Make sure to prepare specific examples from school, work experience, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate this.
