Current Graduates on the BOC Finance Scheme
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James, FMTP First Year
Mathematics with Statistics, University of York
Why did you choose to apply to BOC?
My home town is Middlesbrough so I have been brought up around traditional industries, including the gases industry. When I heard that BOC were recruiting graduates, I didn't want my hard work at university to go to waste, and working for BOC seemed like a natural choice.
What was your first placement?
I am currently on my first placement with Gist at their site in Spalding. I am working with the onsite finance team, and have been given exposure to many different sides of the business. With the finance team being fairly compact, I have been given a role with real responsibility from day one.
What have you been responsible for and what are you currently involved with?
I am currently responsible for a set of management accounts that deal with Third Party Logistics. I have to prepare the weekly accounts and complete month-end reporting. I have also been given the opportunity to complete various different projects, and work with people in many departments. Later in my placement I will be given exposure to setting a budget.
What do you like most about working for BOC?
The size of the group means that there are opportunities for a wide variety of roles in different business sectors, throughout the UK and overseas. Everybody is friendly and helpful, and there is a genuine feeling of community within the group.
What has been your highlight so far?
My highlight was the first FMTP day I attended, involving training and finding out more about myself and the way that I work. This was followed by a meal with FMTP members past and present, which was a good introduction to both peers and managers.
What have you enjoyed most about being on the Finance Scheme?
The network of support that I have received from my peers, managers and mentor has been second to none. Further, the small number of people on the FMTP means that we can regularly keep in contact with one another, and meet on FMTP days.
What do you hope to achieve after completing the scheme?
It depends on what the group need, but at the moment I would like to take on a role in Head Office, possibly dealing with tax or a very specific part of finance. I would eventually like a financial management role, whether onsite or in Head Office.
To apply for the BOC Graduate Scheme for 2008, click on the following link:
http://www.bocjobs.com/ukgraduates/JobSearch/JobCenterViewCndt.asp?JobAd_Id=847988
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Aleksandra
Corporate Finance, Krakow University of Economics, Poland
Why did you choose to apply to BOC?
While being on the last year of my studies I was looking for a job with a company that will give me further education development opportunities in Finance as well as diversity of professional experience. I came across the BOC advert for the Finance Management Training Scheme (FMTP) and was attracted by the CIMA qualification; the diversity of the company activities and its global presence.
What was your first placement?
My first placement was in the Finance Management Team based in Guildford, where I was supporting the team during the annual planning process.
What have you been responsible for and what are you currently involved with?
One of my responsibilities has been working with the operational managers on a standard costing model for production plants. I have also been involved in preparing cost analysis for different possibilities of supplying argon to Eastern Europe, as well as tackling a project to propose a system of incentivising overhead cost reduction in production sites for one of the Groups subsidiaries.
Currently I am working at the head office in Munich as a Global Controller, being responsible for Greater China and Asian Regions. My job involves monthly performance reviews with Finance Directors; investigating trends; variances and supporting regions on day to day basis. Currently the group is running its first planning process for the enlarged organisation which is a big challenge and requires lots of effort both from the regions and the headquarters. The lesson that I will take from this process it that effective communication across the Group is key!
What do you like most about working for BOC?
People are without any doubt the greatest asset to the company, and I have enjoyed the company of my colleagues and peers in each of the sites I worked at. From a graduates' perspective I can say that exposure to top management and their approachability and openness are really noticeable and create a good environment for personal development.
What do you hope to achieve after completing the scheme?
Shortly speaking lots! In the short term I will concentrate on obtaining my CIMA qualification and making the most of my placement in Munich. In the long term I would like to undertake a Financial Management role in one of the finance functions.
To apply for the BOC Graduate Scheme for 2008, click on the following link:
http://www.bocjobs.com/ukgraduates/JobSearch/JobCenterViewCndt.asp?JobAd_Id=847988
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Gareth, 3rd Year FMTP
Medical Biochemistry, University of Leeds
Why did you choose to apply to BOC?
Having graduated and realising that I really didn't want to continue in science, I looked for a career that I could use the skills I'd developed through my science background but be able to apply them to a business field. My avenue to BOC opened as I discovered what the CIMA qualification could give me and lead too, so looking for graduate schemes that offered this training I came across the Finance Graduate Training Programme (FMTP) with BOC. As soon as I started to discover more about the scheme and what BOC could offer me compared to other employers running CIMA training programmes I knew that this was the one for me.
What was your first placement?
I began within the Groups' warehousing and distribution subsidiary, Gist. From day one I got real responsibility as I was assigned to help the management team with the implementation of a new warehouse for Woolworths. It was a great grounding for me as I got to experience what it is like to be a customer facing accountant and the challenges that comes with it. By the end of my first year I ended up being a site accountant solely responsible for the Carlsberg brewery and depot that Gist manage in Leeds, dealing directly with a demanding and high profile customer. I look back on my time with Gist very fondly. The support that I had and the people that I met and worked with daily were fantastic.
What have you been responsible for and what are you currently involved with?
The joining of Linde and BOC has brought about many changes. One of those that is key to the finance community has been the development of a new, combined finance system. I was asked to work on an area of this integration project which has meant that I've had the opportunity to work in the new Group Headquarters in Munich, flying over there from the UK every week. Having helped design certain functional aspects of the system, I have now been asked to head up part of the change management team where I am responsible for the design and build of all the training material that will be delivered to approx 1200 users of this new system across the Linde world.
What do you like most about working for BOC?
The FMTP has got such a good reputation within BOC that the opportunities are endless. With that comes a certain pressure to perform and deliver results, but the support I've received and the people I've met within the Group make life at BOC a great place to work and develop.
What has been your highlight so far?
Working on the finance integration project in Munich has been an amazing experience. I have had the opportunity to shape the way that the Linde Group will handle its financial data in the future, and the fact that I will be seeing my designs and ideas' being used by hundreds of people around the work daily is a great feeling.
What have you enjoyed most about being on the Finance Scheme?
Because there are only a small number of us taken onto the FMTP each year you really do get the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. It also means that we are a close group and we try to meet up as regularly as possible to share our experiences both in the work place and in the classroom. I have also enjoyed the varied roles I've had, not once have I thought of myself as the typical accountant crunching numbers and staring at spreadsheets all day. I have been able to push out into the business and develop my management potential as well as my accountancy knowledge.
What do you hope to achieve after completing the scheme?
After the scheme I will certainly be looking to stay with BOC and committing myself for the long term. The options are vast, overseas work is definitely something I'll be considering whether that be in Germany, the USA or Australia I don't know yet…but I feel like the world is my oyster.
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Andrew, FMTP Second Year
Physics with Astrophysics, University of Leeds
Why did you choose to apply to BOC?
Having graduated with a scientific degree, I wanted to put my skills to use by working in finance for a company operating in a science related industry. The combination of BOC's gases background and forward looking philosophy made it a clear choice. I was also attracted by the high level of support that the graduates are given on the scheme.
What was your first placement?
My first placement was with the General Accounting Team at the Financial Services Centre in Sheffield. The GA Team is a great place to get exposure to all sorts of transactions across a wide variety of areas within the business and the people there are really friendly and fun to work with.
What have you been responsible for and what are you currently involved with?
My responsibilities have included preparing accounting entries for month end, liaising with major suppliers such as BT and Vodafone, preparing KPI reports for senior management, and working on the UK tax pack, which involved calculating expenditure that was tax allowable / disallowable. I am currently involved in working on the GRIR account in order to ascertain if the balance provides a fair picture of Purchase Order activity.
What do you like most about working for BOC?
I wanted to work in a role that would challenge me and provide a wide range of opportunity and variety. The FMTP provides all of this in abundance, which is great! BOC is a very innovative company, which is something that I think is really important, as it means that as a part of that organisation, you always feel like you are moving forward in a positive direction.
What has been your highlight so far?
Raising issues with management about areas that I have identified for potential development and seeing the result making a real difference has given me a huge sense of achievement.
What have you enjoyed most about being on the Finance Scheme?
The fact that you get the chance to work with some really great people, both on the scheme and from the business as a whole. The support on the FMTP is fantastic and has really helped me feel like a valued part of the organisation.
What do you hope to achieve after completing the scheme?
At the moment I am focusing on passing my CIMA exams, but once I do that, I hope to continue getting exposure to a diverse range of financial experience across all areas of the business and to continue developing my knowledge of BOC.
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Peter, FMTP Second Year
Physics, University of Southampton
Why did you choose to apply to BOC?
One of my best friends worked for the company and had thoroughly recommended them. Most importantly though, I was keen to work for an established company with a diverse range of business activities, which would provide me with lots of different experiences. I was also attracted by the small number of graduates recruited, which I felt would allow me to make a bigger impact and afford me more opportunities both during and after my time on the scheme.
What was your first placement?
I have just finished my first placement with Gist, the logistics arm of the company at Spalding in Lincolnshire. Spalding is ideally placed for getting around the country to visit other sites and colleagues in other lines of the business, as well as getting down to London for my courses (and seeing mates!).
What have you been responsible for and what are you currently involved with?
My primary responsibility during my first year's placement has been for the Morrisons work that the company undertakes. This has involved preparing weekly & monthly accounts, liaising with managers around the business and more forward-looking tasks such as helping to set next year's budget. Besides this I have seen a variety of work, which is typical of a site accountant's role including dealing with customers, negotiating with suppliers, briefing senior management and working on one-off projects for different departments around the company.
What do you like most about working for BOC?
The camaraderie. I enjoy the more social side of my work, which may sound odd coming from an aspiring accountant. The reason that I chose management accounting though was because of the opportunities it affords to work with people at all levels through my own company and in those that I deal with and the Finance Scheme is no exception. As a graduate, you are regularly in touch with senior managers throughout the company, and particularly fellow graduates, with whom you get the chance to socialise on the various graduate days, courses and projects.
What has been your highlight so far?
Too many to narrow down - the graduate days, the responsibility of looking after a whole account, getting through my exams…so far…, the mates I've made on the scheme and seeing the (positive!) difference that I've helped make to the bottom line.
What have you enjoyed most about being on the Finance Scheme?
Besides working alongside interesting people who are similarly motivated - which in turn encourages you to push yourself - it's been great to be meet such a range of people around the business. The support offered during my studies has been awesome, especially in comparison with most similar schemes and it's always good to spend a bit of time away from the office on courses or seeing other parts of the business. The Finance Scheme allows all of these in abundance
Misbah, FMTP 3rd Year
Economics & Political Science, University of Birmingham
Why did you choose to apply to BOC?
BOC is a massive company with a presence all around the world. I knew I could have a varied experience and work for a truly international company. Also I found the study support second to none and literally could not find another scheme even close to offering similar support. This made me realise that I would be highly valued in the company.
What was your first placement?
My first placement was at BOC Edwards. This was the company's semi conductor and vacuum pump division. It was a large company in its own right and had a presence from Australia to Europe to the Far East. Here I got my solid foundations in accounting.
What have you been responsible for and what are you currently involved with?
I am current placement is working for Gist, which is the logistics arm of the company. I have been given the role of being an internal auditor. This means that I give the business assurance that the company is being run appropriately from a financial perspective. I also try to improve business practices to reduce the risks and make them more efficient. Other responsibilities I have been given include helping with the recruitment process and arranging assessment centres and updating the graduate intranet.
What do you like most about working for BOC?
The people at BOC are amazing and it has been a great place to start my career. The culture at BOC is much more open and friendly than in many other industries that you could begin your accounting career. Also you have high exposure on this scheme because only a few graduates are selected rather than in other companies where you can be lost in the sea of new graduates. You are made to feel valued and at home from day one and that are introduced to senior managers very quickly.
What has been your highlight so far?
I have really enjoyed all the varied courses that I have attended as part of my graduate training. I have received training from my accountancy qualification to facilitation skill and workshop design. All have been valuable and really helped to bolster my skills and CV
What have you enjoyed most about being on the Finance Scheme?
I have enjoyed the various social gatherings organised for the graduates. It has given me a chance to meet my peers and exchange experiences and advice. It has also allowed me to network with very senior managers from various parts of the business. As a graduate at BOC you have very high exposure and you find that people tend to know about you before you have heard of them
What do you hope to achieve after completing the scheme?
After completing my CIMA studies I have arranged to have a 9 month secondment to our offices in Munich. Then I will be looking for my first non graduate role in the company off the scheme.