Accounting and Finance Placement Student Review

Analysing accounting issues & preparation of journal entries. Assisting with monthly accounting close process & US checklists Bank account monitoring and preparation of some General ledger reconciliations. Supplying invoice & billing backup for recharges to Business Areas. Prepare Bank transfers and some ad hoc payments. Submittal of UK Payroll files into BACS Internal & External Audit process support. Correct recording of payroll, overheads, rents, pre-paids, liabilities and other expenses. Clearance of suspense accounts Maintain Internal Billing System details. Proactive and diligent support to other team members Ad-hoc Support to UK Travel, Accounts Payable & Payroll teams

My problem solving and financial deduction skill shave really improved during my placement. I frequently have to understand the financial workings of the company to be able to correctly record and journal transactions. My Excel and general Microsoft application skills have also improved due to the fact that I use them everyday and have found new ways to improve the efficiency of my work. I feel like the skill I have developed the most is my ability to work as a team and ask for help (and help others) when needed.

I have been given quite a lot of responsibility. Tasks such as submitting the BACS files are very important as these will determine the wages and taxes of all UK employees. I am often also asked to complete bank transactions which naturally is a high responsibility task.

I had a 6 week handover period with the previous placement student which was really useful as I could constantly ask questions and learn from the person who knows my role best. However, even after that period, the rest of the team have been very happy to assist and answer questions when needed. I also received additional training for a task within another team which I thought was dealt with very well and I had a good amount of time learning the process with a guide before I was left to complete it by myself.

It's quite a large company so pretty impossible to know everyone but everyone is friendly and my team gets on well. The atmosphere never smees too stressed or tense and everyone feels approachable. Definitely a nice way to warm into the working environment without being too intimidated.

I think it has been really enjoyable, it's definitely had it's challenging moments but that makes it more rewarding. I feel like the team and work atmosphere have really helped in making me feel welcomed and comfortable so quickly.

Yes

Try to know about the company and what they do. Show you're interested in their projects and that you're excited to work there. Study the job descriptions well as they are often exactly what you will be doing in the role so you can have a head start by thinking about what each task entails and how you could prepare.