Amy Webb is an Undergraduate Finance Assistant at CityCare. Amy takes time below to tell us a little about herself, the role she fulfils and what interested her about the undergraduate role. Gain a real insight, get advice and tips for applying.
Tell us a little about yourself – who are you and what is your current role at CityCare; what do you do?
My name is Amy and I’m currently six months into my placement year as an Undergraduate Finance Assistant at Nottingham CityCare Partnership where I am gaining hands-on experience in the finance sector within the healthcare industry. I am studying at the University of Derby, pursuing a degree in Business Management with a Finance pathway.
What decisions led you to studying finance and what do you like about it?
My interest in studying finance developed during my education. Throughout GCSEs and A-levels I found a strong liking towards business and maths. I was always drawn to the mathematical side of business and found my passion in problem solving and analysing data. This led to the decision go to the University of Derby to gain further qualifications in this area. I decided that I wanted to do a placement in finance as despite having part time work alongside my studies. I’d never had any real-life experience in the finance industry. I feel like partaking in this placement at CityCare has helped solidify my desire for a career in the finance sector.
Why did you decide to apply for the CityCare Undergraduate position?
I was eager to gain a hands-on experience in finance. At University I struggled to know where I wanted to be career wise mainly due to the lack of experience in the finance world. The high level of responsibility that is given in this role and the opportunity to experience new challenges in a caring and supportive workplace appealed to me. I wanted to work for an organisation that not only values financial expertise and prioritises my growth, but also one which makes a meaningful impact in people’s lives. I have been in this role for six months and feel that applying to work for CityCare was the right decision for me. I have gained many opportunities throughout my time here and I feel supported every day. I am excited to see what more I can learn in the second half of my placement.
What advice would you give to a prospective candidate when making that application?
From my experience, it’s crucial to research the organisations thoroughly and show how your unique skills and experiences align with the undergraduate role - it really helps your application stand out. Even if you don’t have specific work experience in the sector, highlighting your work experience, university achievements, and extracurricular interests gives us a clear picture of who you are and what you can bring to the role. I also found that demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for learning and growth, along with a willingness to adapt and collaborate, made a big impression during the interview process.
What does a normal day in Finance look for a graduate?
The role involves managing transactional tasks leading up to month-end, such as payroll reconciliations, adjustments, preparing accruals and prepayments, and recharging costs like bank staff, prescribing, and postage. While self-driven, the role is supported by a structured monthly timetable that keeps the team on track, provides clarity, and gives me the freedom to manage my own time effectively while also supporting others when needed. I typically work in the office once a week with the financial management team, spending the rest of the week working remotely. In this hybrid setup, effective communication is essential. Regular touchpoints, including three weekly catchups with the Management Accountants, weekly team meetings, and one-to-one sessions with managers, ensure I feel supported and can reach out for help when needed.
What can a Finance Graduate hope to learn during their time with CityCare?
As a Finance Undergraduate Student, you can expect to learn a wide range of skills and concepts that will help you build a strong foundation for a career in finance. This consists of practical financial skills like gaining a wider understanding of financial processes such as prepayment, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations. The ability to see this in a real-life practical setting is beneficial on building the knowledge learnt from university. Invaluable interpersonal skills can be gained in this placement which cannot be taught in a classroom, this involves improved communication skills, teamwork, adaptability and more. These skills help create strong, productive relationships contributing to a positive working environment which can be applied in future careers. Technical skills are also supported, CityCare offers lots of training opportunities to improve confidence on technical aspects such as using excel. There is so much more that can be taken away from this placement including but not limited to time management, organization skills, and vital professional skills like networking.
What key skills make for an excellent candidate for this position?
- Strong communication skills
- Learning agility and willingness to learn
- Strong interest in finance
- Attention to detail
- Enthusiasm and motivation
- Problem solving mindset
In three words, describe CityCare.
Supportive, Growth-orientated and Collaborative.
If you could have done anything different as a Finance Undergraduate, what would it have been?
A previous placement student said:
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions – there is no such thing as too many questions. This placement is designed for students and is the perfect time to ask if you are unsure of anything.”
CityCare is currently advertising for the next Finance Undergraduate position. To find out more and apply, go to: NHS Work Placements, then choose East Midlands for Region and Finance for Area of Work. Deadline for applying is the 31 January 2025.
Must be an undergraduate, undertaking a degree with a Business, Economics, Accounting or Finance focus, and looking for a placement as part of their studies.
Date published: 19 December 2024
