Finance Placement Student Review

Being based in the AR team, day-to day I am responsible for producing and issuing invoices and credit notes to customers, as well as dealing with any queries they may have. I also complete pricing functions to ensure internal controls are followed and liaise interdepartmentally and externally to resolve any issues. I prepare month end journals and reconcile the accounts, then analyse the managed expense aspect of the plant.

The placement year has allowed me to enhance my current finance knowledge and apply theory to the industry. I am confident this will aid with fourth year studies and completing my dissertation. I have also gained insight into where I would like my career to lead me and have a clear idea of how to achieve my goals.

Throughout the year, I have been given a wide range of responsibility and been exposed to many aspects of the business. I have been able to request where I would like my placement year to take me, and experience a broad scope of finance-related tasks. Although I was responsible for numerous tasks, there is a lot of support from management and peers if needed.

Although I was trained virtually, I felt consistently supported. The training I received was extensive and encouraged me to push myself. The team I worked within were very welcoming and my manager held regular meetings to ensure I was settling into my role and discussed how I was coping working from home. My manager encouraged me to vocalise what work I would like to be exposed to and pushed to meet the demands.

Cummins take employee wellbeing very seriously and focus a lot of time on corporate responsibility. For example, every employee is encouraged to complete at least 4 hours of charitable work to help the local community. As you take part in this with other members of your team or within the student group, you can meet other employees and gain relationships.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Cummins, even though I have not been able to go into the office due to COVID-19. The work I have been given positively correlated to my finance degree and the team I joined were welcoming. After a successful placement year, I intend to apply for the graduate scheme or permanent role at Cummins.

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Although the application process is quite extensive, putting the effort into gaining this placement will be great for your career and gaining valuable experience. Take each stage at a time and ensure that you are fully prepared and know the business well. For the assessment centre, it is important to be yourself - use the day to see if Cummins is right for you!