Accounting and Business Advisory Assistant Review
at RSM
School Leaver Programme
Accounting
Chelmsford
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
My main day to day role involves preparing annual financial statements for small, medium and large accounts and consolidations. This involves imputing a clients trial balance into our system, sorting all the figures, adjustments and disclosures, ensuring variances are reasonable and updating for reviews/client comments. I have also worked on some VAT returns and management accounts. Within my role I work across a wide variety of sectors including property and hospitality. I also contact clients regularly and work closely with other teams such as audit and tax to post the necessary adjustments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Since starting my apprenticeship I have really enjoyed my day to day role and working on a wide variety of sectors. There are many other apprentices across the company which means I am always supported in both the job and qualification. Everyone within my team is very friendly which makes the office a great environment to work in. Despite this exams can sometimes be stressful when balancing studying and working.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt lots of new skills during my apprenticeship, both within the workplace and during my AAT, as I had very little accounting knowledge previously. I have also built on many soft skills such as communication, team work and prioritising.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well - my training provider sends me emails before the course dates with all the details and sends me the study books far in advance (if the course is virtual). I also received a timetable of when all my exams would likely be for my AAT.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
You will receive lots of support throughout the apprenticeship. Before starting at RSM you will be assigned a buddy who will be on hand to answer any questions. You will also be assigned a line manager who you can have frequent catch ups with to ensure everything is going smoothly.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
There are email addresses you can contact if you need help. The portal also contains all the course information, practice questions and a support area. They can however take a while to mark essays and written practice questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have found AAT very helpful within my role with areas such as accounting journals and just understanding accounting more. Likewise I have found the on the job experience has helped me lots with my exams.
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
Yes we have regular socials both as an office and as a wider office region. These have included things such as bowling, activate at the O2, team lunches and the horse races. Everyone is also given a volunteering day each year, which can be completed for any charity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend RSM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
RSM have been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship, giving me the opportunity to gain valuable experience alongside my qualification. I have already learnt lots in a short space of time and have been trusted with responsibilities such as contacting clients. Everyone in the team has been very friendly and consistently willing to help. The office socials have also allowed me to network with the wider team/ other teams such as audit and tax. With RSM also being a large firm there are many further opportunities such as secondments.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RSM?
Be yourself, make sure you show an interest for the role and prepare examples for interviews.
