Finance Graduate Review
at RSA Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
London
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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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
I work as a finance business partner in the commercial lines team. This involves offering financial support to the business when needed to support on decision making. I use excel day to day, looking at historical performance and forward looking views and support on collating commentary as part of the reporting process.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed this programme, with the main appeal being that we rotate round different roles. This has given me the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, extend my network and gain a large understanding for different parts of Finance. It has helped me to understand what roles I would want to do once the programme comes to an end.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I use excel daily and this skill has been developed during the course of my time on the apprenticeship. I use excel to show historical and forward -ooking summaries, and also for modelling to support on business decisions. I have been able to tailor modelling to the business ask so that it gives people exactly what they need.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is well structured in terms of the rotations given and the variety of roles available. I think more could be done to structure the exams, as it would be good to have someone overseeing the scheme and making sure exams are all booked in and on track.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive large amounts of support from my employer. I am given the time for classes and study leave in the run up to exams which enables me to be able to prepare for them. On a monthly basis, I have regular 121s with various people across Finance outside of my direct team which I find hugely beneficial to discuss any work/development agenda points.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
I receive plenty of support in classes and think the revision material provided by Kaplan is excellent. However, I think the talent coach support is really poor and needs to be changed. The sessions held very much feel like a tick box exercise and I have been wrongly advised on exam progression which has delayed the pace I was able to move through my exams.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think the technical understanding I learn in my qualification supports my role and gives me a very good base knowledge on accounting which is key to my role. I think some of it doesn't necessarily contribute to my current role and I learn more from doing my role as opposed to sitting in a classroom.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are some Diversity and Inclusion groups which we can all get involved in. There are some social activities that occur through the year whether that is in teams or a large Finance activity such a sports day. There isn't anything that occurs on a regular basis which I think there is definitely scope for. I would like to have more networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend RSA Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a really great company to work for and the people make it what it is. I have felt very supported from the first day I joined and I continue to receive this support and if not have received even more since my start point. Everyone is very giving with their time.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RSA Group?
I would give advice to research the company, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn for any insight or understanding of the role. Have a good understanding of what the role entails and have questions about the company to show that you are inquisitive and have an understanding of who RSA are and what they do.
