Finance Grads
Masako
Robert
Sarah
Masako Loeurng
University of Warwick - BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
“I always knew that I wanted to work in Finance, but I wasn’t sure which sector would suit me best. After investigating the various options and attending careers fairs and employer presentations at uni, the FMCG sector attracted me most. It’s a highly dynamic, challenging international environment that affects my everyday life – perfectly combining my desire to work with numbers with my passion for business. So, after completing BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at the University of Warwick in July 2007, I joined the Nestlé Finance Graduate Programme.
I didn’t want to just be involved with the technical side of finance; I wanted to take part in the decision-making that moves companies forward. Working with the heightened challenges and successes of worldwide brands is a very rewarding feeling. And, as the world’s largest global food manufacturing company with such a strong portfolio of brands, I’m confident Nestlé can offer me a wide range of experiences and challenges within finance.
I joined the Factory Finance team in York three months ago on my first placement. So far, it’s been a steep learning curve. I’m involved in loads of different projects. Although the sheer amount of information sometimes seems overwhelming, the continuous support from my team means I can achieve anything.
As a chocoholic, I’ve been loving my time here so far. I’ve delved into the backstage of Aero and Aero Bubbles and even completed a 12-hour shift in production, which was a brilliant experience! Before, I wasn’t sure what the inside of a factory looked like. Now that I’ve experienced it first hand, my definition would be ‘a fascinating place with a constant buzz, bringing together people with different backgrounds and skill sets in a friendly and exciting environment’.
When I stepped into the office on my first day, I found it quiet compared to a busy campus and wondered how I’d cope. But from the moment I became part of the fun-loving team, I can say I’ve not ever felt bored, let alone lonely. I feel very lucky to have bonded with such great team-mates and now feel completely at home.
From that first day, I was given a comprehensive training plan and met people from various functions. I was pleased to see training and development was taken very seriously here and meeting all those people helped me appreciate the sheer size of the business and also the different challenges each function faces everyday.
Next month, I start studying for my first CIMA exams and although it’ll be a tough challenge, I’m looking forward to it – especially because I’ve made friends who are studying it already and they’re always talking about it. I can’t wait to become a member of that community.
I don’t have a defined objective for the long-term yet, but already know that the range of opportunities within Nestlé is immense. Finance can mean so many different things here! (factory finance, head office finance, marketing finance, divisional finance, commercial finance, export finance, etc, etc). The whole point of the graduate scheme is to expose you to these various roles during the three years; to build your knowledge; become a great manager and understand which area you best want to further your career in. That’s why the scheme is pretty much invaluable.”
Robert – Divisional Analyst
Nottingham University – BA (Hons) Economics
In my final year many of my friends at Nottingham applied to accounting firms or to City banks, but I chose to apply to Nestlé because I wanted to make a tangible impact on products that millions of people in the UK enjoy every day. Whether it’s a cup of Nescafé with their Shreddies at breakfast time or a bottle of Buxton water while running at the gym after work, I wanted to play a part in the continued success of brands that hold a special place across the country. I haven’t been disappointed.
My time on the Graduate Scheme started at a chocolate factory in Newcastle where I helped the Factory Controller monitor fixed costs and projects. The best part of this year was gaining a real understanding of the manufacturing process and an empathy for the challenges that affect our plants, which proves helpful when working in Head Office. I then moved south to work as a management accountant in the Food Division in Croydon (south London) before a stint in a systems development role. Alongside work I was chipping away at my CIMA exams. They’re tough, but you’ll find solid support from your manager and an excellent study package will make you the envy of many on your study courses.
I then moved to the Internal Audit team, where I stayed after I left the scheme, eventually spending three years as a team member and then team leader. This was a great chance to explore the diversity of the business – investigating and reviewing everything from pet food factories in Italy to consumer promotions in Nestlé Rowntree. I became a CIMA member during this time. More recently I’ve worked in the Food and Beverage Division, focusing on our growing export business and also monitoring the performance of brands such as Nescafé Gold Blend, Carnation Milk and Herta Hot Dogs.
It’s been a real challenge and at times you’ll find it tough. When I meet my University friends now, however, and we discuss our careers so far, I find very few who joined graduate schemes that matched the variety and quality of the opportunities offered by Nestlé.
Sarah – Operational Analyst
Salford University - BSc (Hons) Business Studies
I joined the Nestlé Graduate Scheme in Finance, straight from university. After a successful industrial placement with another business during my degree, I decided Finance was the route for me and specialised in this area in my final year.
The Graduate scheme is fantastic. The exposure you have to the business during the three year scheme is immense. I worked in a factory site initially for a year to understand our coffee manufacturing business and factory operations. I then moved up to York to work in our confectionery division supporting the sales team. Two completely different experiences but both hugely worthwhile. Factory operations are the backbone of our Food & Beverage business and obviously our sales operations are crucial to ensure our products are in the marketplace for people to enjoy. My final year on the scheme was spent in the Beverage Division where I was involved in the regular month end / reporting cycle and gained insight into key business processes including forecasting.
Alongside work you will be attending college studying for your financial qualification. I studied CIMA and although it is hard work studying in your evenings or weekends, Nestlé offers great support, paying for your college courses and also providing valuable study days. With your Nestlé work experience to support your CIMA application for membership, you are guaranteed to be accepted, no problem!
Post qualification I have had two further roles with Nestlé. I worked for a couple of years in our Corporate Reporting team dividing my time between providing information to our Head Office in Switzerland, alongside working on key projects / initiatives with the UK Finance Director. Currently I work as the Operational Analyst in Beverage Division where I support both the Production Director and the Supply Chain Director. Typical work includes responsibility for submitting Capital Investment proposals for the Division, ensuring operational savings are being delivered year on year, analysing the financial impact of changes in suppliers or ingredients. I love it. No two days are ever the same and I feel I am doing all I can to contribute to the success of the business.
I have worked in a whole variety of areas during my six years with Nestlé and have enjoyed it all. The people are great, the roles are challenging but rewarding and the opportunities keep on growing!
