Assistant Review

Preparation of corporation tax returns for small and medium companies. Monitoring of corporation tax return compliance progress and updating compliance tracker and schedules as appropriate. Personal tax return preparation during busy times or as required. Ad hoc small admin tasks. Various tax advisory projects for the Partner as and when required and requested. Tax query research.

I have learnt various new skills including soft skills such as communication, researching and personal development skills. I have also learnt a broad level of both accounting and tax Knowledge through my first year of the apprenticeship, having completed my Level 3 AAT qualification and being over halfway through my Level 4 AAT qualification. I have also learnt a great deal from my colleagues in terms of personal developmental skills, researching skills and technical information and application of learnt knowledge.

I find the programme to be an enjoyable experience with the range of work available combined with the studying process. The company culture has definitely met my expectations and I feel that the firm has a strong work life balance meaning that there are various social activities available to participate in as well as work to be undertaken, allowing for strong cross-office networking and the development and building of relationships within the team to create a stronger, happier and more enjoyable working environment.

The structure of the programme from my employer's end is very strong and there is plenty of support available within the office on areas of weakness and uncertainty as well as confirmation on areas of strength. The induction week was a good experience as it allowed me to meet new joiners to the firm from all across the country and therefore various offices. However, I feel that from the training provider's end, the support and communication is lacking which therefore can make things such as booking exams, raising queries and gaining feedback not only difficult but also confusing and unclear.

I feel that a lot of support is received from my employer. My manager and other members of staff in the office are always willing to assist me with any queries that I have on study issues, technical points or any other matter. I feel very confident and comfortable in requesting the support that I request.

As previously mentioned, I feel that the outside of the classroom support from the training provider actually causes more confusion than the support and help it generates. The classroom support of the tutor's is always of a high standard, with the tutors being approachable and clearly all highly knowledgeable in their areas of specialism. The review calls provided by the training provider are unhelpful as the discussions had at the time do not seem to be recorded clearly at their end therefore resulting in follow up emails from various members of support staff asking questions that are irrelevant or have already been answered.

I feel that my qualification helps me to perform my role better as it provides me with a lot of the underlying knowledge in relation to the use of financial statements and treatment of various expenses etc within a set of financial statements. I also feel that the courses provided allow me to gain more confidence in putting the theory learnt in practice.

There is a wide range of social activities available, including regular all staff meetings that include socials with the Bromley office. As a team or office we regularly will go out for small social events which are open to everyone. There is also a Southern region sports day annually which is a good opportunity for cross office networking and socialising.

Yes

I would recommend RSM to a friend as the firm is a well known and established firm within the sector who are clearly dedicated to the development and training of their staff and their staff's progression and development. There is also a great deal of opportunity to gain exposure and experience in a range of sectors whilst experiencing an enjoyable working environment and excellent work life balance.

Be confident in yourself and your own capabilities and strengths. The application process can seem very daunting, however if you take it step by step it is not such a daunting process. There are so many opportunities available to you if you are willing to reach out and take them.