To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating our apprentices and recognising the contribution they make to our business.
In this article, we chat to Finance Apprentice Kai Stewart to find out more about his apprenticeship and goals.
What do your finance role and apprenticeship entail?
In the finance team, we support all areas of the business. We pull together insights and comparisons on each department’s spending and how they’re performing against budget. We also process credit notes for customers and draft ad hoc reports.
My duties are extremely varied, which I enjoy. I support month–end procedures, assist in the production of various reports, and review employee expenses claims (which makes me everybody’s best friend!). I also update the asset, depreciation and receivables statistics that we report to Halma, the global group of life‑saving technology companies that we’re part of.
My apprenticeship can take up to 18 months, and I have four courses to complete in that time. I’ve already completed my first two courses on business awareness and financial statements, and I’m currently completing my third on tax. I also undertake various pieces of coursework to show how I’m applying my technical knowledge in the workplace and will have to complete a professional discussion at the very end.
How is Advanced supporting you with your apprenticeship course?
Advanced is flexible with my study time and, provided there’s nothing of high priority within the finance team, I can crack on with my apprenticeship coursework. I can also take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as more in-depth Microsoft Excel courses.
What key skills have you developed?
Definitely my data skills. I’ve sharpened my ability to manipulate data and understand the context of what’s needed when I’m tasked with something.
What's the best thing about working at Advanced?
The people! When I first started, I asked so many questions, but everyone was so supportive and helpful. I was told ‘no question is a stupid question’ and that approach has really helped my development.
What's your long-term career goal?
Once I complete my Level 3 apprenticeship, I’d like to do Level 4 and go for chartership. I can then pursue either the accountancy or finance route. AI is going to revolutionise finance, and I’m intrigued to see what job roles will be created in the future.
Want to know more?
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