University attended: University of Birmingham
Office location: Head Office Tiddington (Stratford upon Avon)
Department, team or function: Finance
William joined the NFU Mutual graduate scheme two years ago, following his Business Management BSc program at the University of Birmingham. He has undertaken two 18-month placements with us, firstly In Financial Reporting and currently In the Business Partnering Team. We caught up with him to find out about his experiences so far, how the scheme Is helping him develop his Finance career and his advice to future graduates.
What made you choose NFU Mutual?
I was attracted by the mutual ownership structure and the excellent culture and values of the business. Their emphasis on putting members first and valuing their people was something that resonated with me, and it sounded like a culture that I would like to be a part of. I was also interested in their focus on rural customers and the opportunity to work for a large financial services company in a location where a better work life balance can be achieved as opposed to commuting into a large city.
What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
I am currently work in the Business Partnering team within the Finance Division, partnering with the IT and Risk divisions as well as the subsidiary, Avon Insurance. I help managers in these business areas understand their finances on a monthly basis with monthly reporting. We also help them to prepare their financial budgets and forecasts, which feed in to the strategic and financial planning for the whole company at board level. In terms of my studies, I can participate in the Professional Trainee suite of learning and development and work towards my professional qualification alongside my Finance roles, which works well.
Have NFU Mutual invested in your learning and development?
Something that has been clear from the outset, is the support from people here. People want to see you succeed. The business has invested in me by sponsoring me through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, funding study and exam fees and allowing study leave of five days per exam, in addition to holiday allowance. The learning and development courses provided by an external specialist company are varied and have given the opportunity to develop my soft skills and increase my effectiveness professionally. I have felt incredibly supported throughout.
What makes it such a great place to work?
The culture of the business is very friendly, helpful and welcoming, to inexperienced graduates and experienced people alike. There are many support systems in place to help new starters settle quickly and continue to thrive in-role. There is a big investment in learning and development, and this is consistently valued and encouraged by senior management. There is also an attractive total rewards package with excellent pension, gym subsidy, discount schemes, healthcare etc. The work-life balance at NFU Mutual is excellent. Whilst we are required and encouraged to work hard, this is always appreciated and recognised, and a degree of flexible working is encouraged to balance out busy periods. One of the company values is to be a ‘Great Place to Work’ and this is genuinely true in my experience, the work-life balance is excellent.
What advice would you have for someone applying for the Graduate Scheme?
Go for it! If you’d like to work in a large Financial Services company where you will feel valued as an individual and encouraged to succeed, NFU Mutual is a great place to work. When applying, pay particular attention to the company values published on our website and in the role specification, as these are a huge part of working here.
Take a look at our current opportunities or email talent_development@nfumutual.co.uk.