Audit Assistant Review

My role is as an audit assistant. I spend my working days wither on client side doing audit tasks, college studying for the AAT qualification or doing internal training. The department is large therefore I regularly work with different people within the department on clients as well as regularly meeting new clients. Supervisors set audit related work that assistance complete. The jobs you work on change regularly so get a variety of work.

As part of the apprenticeship you get your level 3 and 4 AAT qualification, then move on to your ACA. There are many internal courses to do some where you learn information that will help with exams, some that provide audit related knowledge whilst others are IT skills. I have learnt a lot about audit since starting as well as bookkeeping which is the foundation of accountancy. My IT skills but specifically excel skills.

The work is enjoyable as I am constantly learning. Specifically, the social side of work is enjoyable. There are many socials at work which help especially when new to get to know the large department. RSM has been better than what I expected and a great alternative to going to university.

There are quarterly appraisals with your line manager where you receive feedback. Each job you go on you also receive feedback from you supervisor. There are also opportunities to become employee of the month. From day one you are given task and responsibilities that gradually increase in difficulty. Essentially the more you put in the more you get out, the harder you work and the more you put in the better the feedback and therefore you feel more valued.

The program is well structured as within the first week you have internal training which gives you insight into the basics of accounting as well as the work you’ll be completing in the next couple of weeks. You also start college very quickly to gain further insight. Your calendar is set out for 6 months as soon as you arrive.

AAT is taught using the BBP college. College is well organised and has a high level of tutoring. Questions are always welcome and they always seem willing to stay after course to give you extra help if needed. College is a pleasant environment and a nice day that is different from your daily work.

The support system at RSM is very good. You get given two buddies when you join to help you. One is a year ahead of you that can provide support in all the basic questions that may feel to silly to ask. You also get a partner buddy who checks up on how you are doing and will often give you work that you can help on but also provide you with more opportunities.

The salary meets my personal needs as live in a commutable distance from outside London but also live with my parents. It is in line, if not better than a lot of salaries for apprenticeships. However, if you were to live on your own in London, the salary would go mainly on bills and living costs.

RSM provides many opportunities, which include sports leagues such as netball, football and squash that anyone is welcome to play in, as well as quiz leagues. There are also opportunities to engage in charitable activities that RSM support and when you qualify you also have the option to go on a secondment.

Yes

I would recommend RSM because I believe the school leaver program is an excellent alternative to university. I become a charted accountant a year ahead of anyone who chooses to do it at university, without the debt. It also is very social and therefore people don’t feel as though they have missed out.

The recruitment process is much like other firms. You have to be yourself and be aware that the apprenticeship will be hard work, you will have to do a number of hours of revision each day after work. RSM also values more than just grades so being sociable and friendly will also help with your application.