Accounts Assitant Review
at RSM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Chelmsford
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Accounts preparation - this includes reviewing client's records and putting together working papers to confirm the client's figures, the level of analysis depends on the client in question and the scope of the work. This information is then used to prepare financial statements. Administrative tasks that track progress are also performed.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I find the programme stretching and challenging. There are a wide variety of jobs and some jobs I enjoy working on more than others. I am also exposed to a wide range of managers who have different styles - this adds some diversity to my work and helps me keep engaged.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes - I have learnt a lot of new skills, for example I can now apply the principles of bookkeeping, I can communicate professionally and use softwares I did not know existed beforehand. I am more efficient with Excel and my accuracy has increased greatly with fewer points arising from my reviews.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is well-structured, however as the employee I am expected to take ownership of my own career path and ensure I am sufficiently challenged and can progress. This autonomy can be an advantage as I can influence to a certain extent the work I do and what I am exposed to.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from all my colleagues and most managers are also very happy to help. Despite the lockdown Microsoft Teams has been used extensively to keep in contact and ask for help. Days in college are provided within working hours, but revision for exams is done in my own time.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
BPP provides a lot of learning support, a large number of practise assessments and exam questions. At times it can be difficult to cover the whole course in the college days provided and more time could be spent on preparing each exam, but overall I am well supported and the tutors are helpful.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification I am studying and the role I am training in are very interlinked and it is very helpful to be able to apply the knowledge almost immediately because it is so relevant. Some modules for example management accounting are more for in house accountants however, but this might be helpful in future roles.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are certainly a large number of extra-curriculars, for example the firm facilitates the Duke of Edinburgh certificate and organises numerous social activities (though this has been slightly impeded by the social restrictions that are in place due to Covid RSM has still organised a number of social events virtually)
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend RSM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
RSM offers a good training programme, a good salary compared to other apprenticeships and a lot of support because RSM is a training firm which makes it easy for new joiners to learn quickly, adapt to the new role and grow professionally. There are also possibilities for us to diversify into other roles.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RSM?
I would suggest to start early - as close to when applications open as possible to give yourself the best chance of success as you will have plenty of time to prepare for the interview and and perform each of the steps in the application process without this interfering with your study.
