AFR & GFS accounts assistant Review

Item: AFR & GFS accounts assistant at RSM
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at RSM

School Leaver Programme

Accounting

Belfast

Review Submitted: March 2026

Overall Rating

5 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5

I am involved in accounts production. Which means on a day to day basis I produce full sets of accounts for PLCs and global groups. This requires me to create and import trial balances from general ledgers into accounting softwares, and tailor narrative within reports to match the movement of money shown in the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, and Statement of changes in Equity. I also visit client sites and work hands on with clients on a weekly basis.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

This school leaver / apprenticeship programme has been better than I ever imagined. The culture within the company is night & day compared to other accountancy & professional services firms. I have received a wide range of support to meet all my needs, and have learnt so much so far. There are also so many opportunities within the firm to learn new skills and branch out.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

When I started the job I had no prior knowledge or experience of accountancy and finance. In the 6 months I have been at RSM I can now produce a full set of accounts, understand and use basic and intermediate accounting principals, create a trial balance from a general ledger, use multiple different accounting softwares and even teach others how to use them. I have developed so many new skills not just in accountancy but also as a leader, team member, and person.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

I work a '9-5' Monday to Friday and receive time off work when I am attending classes and sitting exams. The program is very well structured and all information is communicated well, ensuring you know what is happening and expected of you at all times.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I receive every bit of support I could need. From a designated buddy before I started the job, to approachable line managers who make plenty of time for you and ensure you are reaching your full potential. Support for exams and classes is also very good as the firm views your external learning as a top priority.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

My training provider is BBP as I study towards my AAT qualification. BPP have been very helpful and supportive in my learning so far. Their classes provided are very in-depth and go at a reasonable pace. After the classes the variety of practice exams and other exam report ensures you have the best chance of achieving the grade you need.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

Everything I learn in my external classes relates straight back to the job. The skills and knowledge I learn in class, I can start to implement in my work life the following day. Furthermore, your work also helps you to study and understand class work better - as you have both the knowledge and the experience to help you fully understand.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

I am already apart of the SRG team for my office. Which help plan and organise the various staff events throughout the year. I have also been a part of the office 5 aside football team which travel to tournaments around the country to compete against other businesses. We have also had 2 office team building days where we participated in outdoor activities and challenges, great for meeting other people in the office you wouldn't usually interact with from a work perspective.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend RSM to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I believe it is one of the best routes to start a career in accountancy, consultancy, and professional services. It is a big firm dealing with some massive clients but it also has a great work life balance that some of the bigger firms cannot offer. The support offered is top class, the study pathways are the best around, the culture and people around the firm are good, decent people. And above all RSM is a firm you wake up and want to work for.