Finance Operations Lead (Deputy) Review
at RSPCA
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Horsham, West Sussex
Review Submitted: May 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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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 manage 16 direct reports for the Finance Operations team, involving Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Sales Ledger and Credit Control.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am finding some modules more interesting and engaging than others. I enjoy being able to evidence the skills i already have and then reflect on how I can progress going forwards following my learning.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
This is my first managerial role - so every day I learn and develop my skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The program is structured really well, with modules set weekly on the learning platform. Alongside regular check-ins with my tutor. Plus we have extra 'lunch & learn' sessions which we can opt in : for example the recent session was on receiving feedback and the next one is on confidence building.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has been very supportive. They provide a protected study day every week, join my tutor meetings once a quarter, and always on hand if I want to run through anything relating to my learning or the program.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I meet with my tutor once a month, to discuss what I have learnt recently and we set SMART targets for the following month. After I submit each module, this is marked and comments made. The comments are always very encouraging and is the highlight of my week!
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
As this is my first management role, knowing what's expected of me has really helped to better support the team, start to build motivation and trust along with improving our team efficiencies and managing that change.
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
It's tricky setting up social activities due to operating a hybrid working model, so we are all quite spread out location wise. But we are getting better and working towards doing more of this in the future.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend RSPCA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a fast paced operation, things are changing all the time. There are lots of opportunities for seeing how other teams and frontline staff function. There is always something new to learn.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RSPCA?
When interviewing for a role, please do not say you applied because you love animals. Try to think about why you would like to work for the Society, what do you bring and how could you make a difference.
