Case studies: Finance analyst: Richard Lockwood

Richard graduated with a BSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bath in 2010. He currently works as a finance analyst at Cable and Wireless and is studying for the CIMA qualification.

I found my current job by searching online through a number of graduate websites and also by attending career fairs. The details they give are very useful as it explains things like how to apply, what sort of criteria that they are looking for and the dates that you can apply from. Start early as some employers advertise a year before the job starts.

A typical working day for me changes depending whether its month end or not, but during both I would spend a lot of time in Excel and SAP, a business management software. Outside of month end, a typical day for me would be doing data analysis and reporting on the results, to help the business drive down costs.

During month end the role changes to reporting on the actual figures that have been booked and understanding any changes so that you can report on them. It then shifts again to forecasting what is going to happen over the rest of the year.

My role is always developing as I get more competent in the work that I do. As this happens I take on more tasks and more responsibility. My ambition at the moment is to be professionally qualified within the next three years as I am studying towards my CIMA qualification.

I enjoy the fact that there is always work to do. I can also see how the work I do impacts on the business. The work is also challenging and feels fulfilling once you complete a task. Also, the people I work with really make the job enjoyable and worthwhile as they are always willing to help and further your understanding.

The most challenging part of my job is probably time management. As there is always a lot going on you have to know what the priorities are. The best thing about working in this sector is the fact that you do get to touch on so many areas within the business. The dynamic and changing industry keeps you on your toes and challenges you.

To other graduates or students that want to get into the career, try and do work experience while you are at university as this will give you a much better insight into the role you will do and what the industry is like.

Excel skills are a must in this job, so if you can take a relevant course, it would put you in a good place for when you start work.

Finally, I would go to career fairs and ask as many questions as you can about the job including what the role entails, where it will lead you in the future, if they have a structured scheme and if you get study support.