Dominic is a committed Finance Assistant at UMi, where he is completing a Level 3 Finance Apprenticeship while supporting a business dedicated to helping other organisations go further. At UMi, known for providing expert services and building a community that makes it easier for businesses to access the right information, support and finance, Dominic is developing his skills in accounting and financial operations as he builds a promising future in the finance sector.
When Dominic Thexton stepped into UMi Commercial Ltd as a Finance Assistant, completing a Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship, he wasn’t just looking for a job. He was looking for momentum.
“I chose this role as it allowed me to continue the progression of my skills whilst also gaining vital experience,” he explains. With a Business A-level and some early experience preparing profit and loss spreadsheets for a small charity, he already knew he enjoyed working with figures. What he wanted next was the kind of real-world environment where those skills could sharpen and expand.
Finding His Place at UMi
UMi isn’t a typical organisation. Their work revolves around helping businesses do more, grow faster and access the support they need. That mission shaped Dominic’s day-to-day experience from the moment he joined.
This program has helped me massively. The people skills have been of particular importance as I often deal with visitors to our office.
As he settled in, Dominic’s role evolved. He began to take on more finance-focused responsibilities, contributing to monthly financial reporting for the central services team. It wasn’t just about completing tasks anymore. It was about becoming someone the team could rely on.
Learning Through Challenge
The finance world moves on deadlines, and Dominic felt that pressure early on.
“I have faced various challenges such as ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner,” he admits. Month-end cutoffs don’t wait for anyone.
To keep pace, he leaned into new habits. Prioritisation. Clear communication. Setting realistic expectations with colleagues.
“I have been able to prioritise my tasks and set realistic deadlines by having clear communication with individuals who have set tasks,” he says. “Once again, highlighting the importance of the people skills I have been able to develop.”
With each challenge, the role pushed him further into competence and confidence.
Expanding His Skills
Training became a turning point.
“In particular, training provided around meeting minutes and providing reports helped me significantly,” Dominic shares. Before this role, he hadn’t created formal business documents or recorded minutes. Now, it’s a routine part of his work. “This has allowed me to widen my skill range and put it into practice when I complete future projects.”
Alongside technical skills, he strengthened the fundamentals: planning, organisation and structured work habits.
I have developed a host of skills since beginning the apprenticeship. Planning and organisation have been key to ensuring my work is to the highest possible quality.
A Look Inside His Typical Day
Dominic’s work varies, but it always centres on keeping the financial operations flowing smoothly. A usual day might include processing invoices and expenses, updating purchase orders, monitoring shared inboxes or providing support across the central services team.
Despite these routine tasks, Dominic finds enjoyment in the details.
“I enjoy completing data analysis and looking over figures as I enjoy working with numbers,” he says. And on the days he processes grant payments for businesses, he feels a direct connection to UMi’s mission. “It is directly contributing towards helping other businesses.”
Support That Makes a Difference
Dominic credits both his manager and his apprenticeship trainer for shaping his progress.
“My team and manager support my career growth by providing me with new tasks, training and further support until I am comfortable completing these independently,” he says. His trainer has also been a key motivator, giving him realistic targets and encouraging him to attempt work he might have avoided in the past. “Both have pushed me to carry out tasks that have helped me grow in my job and as a person.”
Advice for Future Apprentices
If someone is unsure about taking on a role like his, Dominic has a clear message.
“I would advise that anyone considering the role at least attempt it as it has been a huge success for me,” he says.
Without starting this program, I wouldn’t have been able to make the huge strides that I have made within my career so far.
Looking Back, and Looking Ahead
Now well into his journey, Dominic feels proud of how far he’s come.
“I am proud of the progress I have made and hope to continue this on in a similar trajectory.”
One achievement stands out in particular:
“One particularly proud moment for myself was leading on a project within the finance department,” he recalls. It’s a milestone he doesn’t think he would have reached without the apprenticeship pushing him to grow. “By doing so I have developed my interpersonal skills by a notable amount.”
Dominic’s story is one of steady growth, supportive guidance and opportunities taken. And judging by his trajectory, it’s only the beginning.
