Overheads Analyst Review

I've really enjoyed my first eight months at Whitbread. I've loved the responsibility of a real role and the expectations that come with it. It's given me a great taste as to what it's like to work in finance, and the experience of work in a FTSE100 company.

With the role you tend to come into contact with a wide range of staff throughout various functions within the company. I always felt appreciated for the help and advice offered in support to people who were managing or tracking budget spend.

My first six weeks were great, I was given a fantastic handover by the contractor who was working in my role at the time. The whole concept of the role was obviously very new to me being on placement and the time, patience and understanding throughout the handover was great. I always felt that my line manager genuinely cared and wanted me to do well. In monthly one to one meetings I could always rely on feedback and support from her and advice to help me going forward.

Due to the nature of the job, there are always busy times where you have to put some longer hours in to get things completed, especially around month end. I was never left with twiddling my thumbs, and there's always something to be getting on with. That said, the workload isn't too much!

As said above, the role was previously filled by a contractor so it does come with responsibilities and routines. You're responsible for a lot of the month end overheads processes and the expectation to deal with confidential information.

I think the role is probably more beneficial for the exposure to experience in industry and what I can take back from a year of completing a real role within finance. I've found this experience a help with some elements of my course and you'll definitely gain a better financial understanding seeing things in practice. It's also great to be given the chance to use accounting software, rather than writing on paper!

Everyone was friendly and especially welcoming during the early days of the placement. On a daily basis there's a chance to have a chat and a laugh, but this doesn't get in the way of getting some work done! Most importantly, there's a good sense of humour in the team.

As I was the first placement student in finance, everything was very new to Whitbread as well as myself. I also joined at the same time as the company were employing some first year students completing a twelve week internship, I was rolled into their induction sessions early on, which was very useful. As I was employed at short notice, I was given a weeks complimentary stay at the local Premier Inn site (which is a Whitbread owned brand) which gave me some time to help find longer term accomodation. I was also particularly pleased by the thorough handover given to me, as already mentioned.

I've attended an intermediate Excel training course, ran by an external training company, but arranged and paid for by the company. Several months on, I'm now booked onto the advanced course. These skills will be transferrable to both university work and to any other job which I'll take up in the future.

I've really enjoyed my first eight months and think it would be great if I could secure something in the next four months. I have no doubt the company is a good one to work for, which is reflective in the number of long term employees who are still working for the organisation despite all the strategic changes and vast growth over the years.

Probably one friday a month, a social drink would be arranged at The Halfway House (a Whitbread owned pub/restaurant) which is just down the road. There are various team-building events which I've been on, I've also attended some two of the team meetings, which happen in June and January each year. These are a good chance to get to meet the whole finance function, especially those who are field based. These days out would always have a fun type of team building event/competition followed by an evening dinner and award presentation. There's also a chance of a good night out after was well!

You've got the benefits of being close to London, but not paying Londons prices of living.

In the immediate area there's not that much about, but you've got the accessibility of London if you want a more adventurous night. That said, there are a few pubs in the area, but if you want a proper night out you'll have to look further afield.

The company do have a Sports & Social club, but this perhaps isn't best advertised. However, the Sports & Social club do a fantastic job of organising the christmas party, which was absolutely brilliant!