Bella Pollard is halfway through her placement at Nottingham CityCare as an Undergraduate Finance Assistant. She describes her role, and explains what drew her to the undergraduate position at CityCare and how her placement has impacted her life and career.
Tell us a little about yourself – who are you and what is your current role at CityCare; what do you do?
I’m Bella and I am currently six months into my 12-month placement, as an Undergraduate Finance Assistant at Nottingham CityCare Partnership, where I am gaining hands on experience in the finance sector within the healthcare industry. I am also a student at Loughborough University studying Accounting and Finance Management.
Why did you decide to apply for the CityCare Undergraduate position?
I always wanted to do a placement when I started university, as I was eager to gain hands on experience in the finance sector and knew I wanted to work within a business rather than audit or personal tax. CityCare appealed to me due to the supportive nature of the team with important responsibilities in the role. The company not only encourages my growth but also helps the community, so I have been able to learn and gain skills while helping others.
What advice would you give to a prospective candidate when making that application?
Just be yourself. Allow for your personality to show in interviews and your application, as building a relationship with the interviewer can really help, as companies aren’t just looking for the most qualified applicant but also someone who will fit in the team. In addition, researching the organisation and clearly demonstrating how your experiences align with the undergraduate role helps highlight your key attributes. For this role in particular, I found that showing an interest to learn, ask questions and a willingness to get outside of your comfort zone really helped me stand out throughout the interview process.
What does a normal day in Finance at CityCare look like?
The role involves managing transactional tasks leading up to month-end, such as payroll reconciliations, adjustments, preparing accruals and prepayments, and recharging costs like bank staff, prescribing, and postage. While self-driven, the role is supported by a structured monthly timetable that keeps the team on track, provides clarity, and gives me the freedom to manage my own time effectively while also supporting others when needed. I typically work in the office twice a week with the management accounts team, spending the rest of the week working remotely. In this hybrid setup, effective communication is essential. Regular touchpoints, including two to three weekly catchups with the Management Accountants, bi-weekly team meetings, and one-to-one sessions with managers, ensure I feel supported and can reach out for help when needed.
What have you learnt during your time at CityCare?
As a Finance undergraduate student, this placement offers the opportunity to develop a strong foundation for a career in finance through both practical experience and professional development. It provides hands-on exposure to key financial processes such as prepayments, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations, allowing university learning to be applied in a real-world setting. The placement also supports the development of essential interpersonal skills, including communication and teamwork, which contribute to a positive working environment. In addition, technical skills are enhanced through training opportunities, particularly in Excel. Broader professional skills such as time management, organization, and networking are also developed, making this placement highly valuable for future career progression.
What key skills make for an excellent candidate for a Finance placemet within the NHS?
- Strong communication skills
- Willingness to learn
- Strong interest in finance
- Attention to detail
- Strong time management skills
- Well organised
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Problem solving skills
In three words, describe CityCare.
Supportive, Compassionate and Dedicated.
If you could have done anything different as a Finance Undergraduate, what would it have been?
Ask more questions! No question is stupid, especially as a student. You are here to learn and to gain experience and knowledge. Don’t waste that opportunity, if you’re unsure about something, ask as soon as possible so you can gain useful information to carry with you throughout your career. You won’t be a student forever, so make the most of this time to learn while you can.
Date published: 14 January 2026
