FMTS blog / It’s so much more than “just another finance scheme”

“I remember reading the blogs of past trainees just before I began my application for the scheme, fast forward two years and I’m now writing my own whilst acting as an Interim Finance Manager. This is exactly what the scheme prepares for you.

I didn’t quite imagine I would have so much responsibility so soon, in my first year I was working within a management accounts team and before I knew it, I was meeting with budget holders independently and presenting monthly forecasts to senior finance managers. I’d never had management accounting experience before this, but the scheme provides so much support and development that you find your feet really quickly.

Before the scheme, I was looking at all kinds graduate programmes and found the majority so overwhelming. Did I want to specialise in Audit, Tax, Management Accounting or Financial Accounting – how was I to know? I felt like I needed to make a decision before I had even experienced the work. With the scheme, you get to experience any area’s you like, this is available due to the amount of placements you will undertake in the 3 years. I’ve worked for two acute hospitals, a mental health trust and the local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group), within these placements I have experienced the roles of; Income, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Financial Management. There is such a wide range of opportunities that you can explore, all whilst grasping the understanding of how the NHS operates overall.

Not only do you get the work experience, but the last 2 years have also involved studying the ACCA qualification. It sounds like a lot, studying and working, but with the generous study leave available on the scheme you’ll find yourself getting the right balance of both. You also have the support of a training manager, placement manager, a buddy - who will be part way through the scheme alongside you -  and of course HFMA themselves.

I’d recommend the scheme to anyone who wants a career in finance where you make a difference. It’s easy to feel like you just look at numbers of a spreadsheet day to day, but during my time within the NHS, I have worked with many front line staff and you really get to see the work you do impacting their roles. It’s so much more than “just another finance scheme”.

Alex Bramley 
2019 Intake