Finance Analyst Review

Item: Finance Analyst at AstraZeneca
Rating: 3.4
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Degree Apprenticeship

Finance

Cambridge

Review Submitted: February 2026

Overall Rating

3.4 /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 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

3/5 - 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

Within the apprenticeship I rotate teams each year which means I can complete different activities depending on what team I am in.
In my 4th rotation, I was involved in: creating invoices, posting journal entries, and managing the teams budget and forecasting future budgets on a monthly basis. I also contributed to some business partnering activities, notably supporting the standard cost card pricing process. Additionally, I completed ad-hoc activities such as updating work instructions, resolve issues with external customers, and have developed a Power BI dashboard to enhance month end budget and forecast visibility.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I really enjoyed my role last year and felt I significantly developed my skills & knowledge.
My manager provided me regular feedback and supported me on my journey.
However, I think the length of the programme and the excessive amount of exams has caused some moments where I have felt unmotivated and have struggled where our exams do not link to the work I am completing.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

Organisation - being able to manage me files and keep relevent information at hand when completing budgets
Technology skills - learning how to use PowerBi
Communication - learning to speak up & ask for help

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

The programme is structured well and I really like the fact we have rotations which enable us to explore what area & activities within finance we like.
However, it sometimes feels like there's a lack of support/help in trying to find rotation areas - and a lot of people within finance still do not know we exist!

How much support do you receive from your employer?

3/5

I receive some support from my employer - in terms of them being flexible with work when I have an exam. However, I think my employer could support me more with monthly catch-ups with my programme lead to make sure my manages and workload align to expectations.

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—they’re helpful, welcoming, and responsive to questions and emails, even on non‑study days. However, around 70% of the learning is online, which doesn’t suit me. I would prefer more in‑person study days or, if online, a structure where the tutor teaches for an hour followed by breakout discussions with other apprentices. I find the current online approach disengaging.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

2/5

My role does not really link to my work.

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

I meet up with other Early Talent indivduals learning what they get up to in their role, how it links to our corporate objectives and my own role.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Its very interesting organisation - understand the start to end of the medicine lifecycle and I think having lots of early talent is great since it builds your network and helps you understand the organisation at a whole.