Pros
The working environment is quite laid-back and the opposite of many corporate firms, made friends for life and the multiculturalism within the office is positive to make new friends and associates for life after Zephus.
Cons
Management/CEO are genuinely clueless - No idea how to manage people in an environment where everybody is treated as a number and there is no care given to staff morale/motivation. Recent acquisition by Moody's Corporation has complicated the role inc complete removal of any bonus scheme and incentive to work. Staff turnover is the highest I have ever seen, company accepts itself as a stop gap for people who want a basic understanding of corporate finance and then to inevitably move on to something better. HR department incredibly slow to reply to emails regarding anything. Promotion opportunities are v limited - The system for advertising a vacancy internally is often hit and miss (depending on who fits into the management framework and clique), and the person often promoted often lacks the necessary abilities to perform well in the role - Surely it would be beneficial to talk to people on the team prior to making decisions that may impact team performance/morale? Office location in Salford Quays is out the way in comparison to previous office in Manchester City Centre. Experienced 1st hand sexism/racism during my time working within the company. Salary is shocking in comparison to what is offered by competitors - Pay rise opportunities are v inconsistent. Training is too theory-based, could be shortened and made far more interesting - Feels like a 4 week lecture. Computer systems used are out-of-date and look like replicas of Microsoft 1997/ Internet often drops out for no reason/emails go down and due to everything being centralised in London or Brussels (BvD HQ), there is often no quick solution. No IT department within the office in case of any PC-related issues. Experienced employees are treated as robots whereby it is assumed the longer the service you have provided, the more work it is assumed you are able to handle. Small mistakes punished but no reward if targets are hit or good work is achieved. Please do not waste your time applying here! There are far better opportunities!