Accounting Assistant Review

My role is an assistant within the business. On an every day basis, I help the accounting and business advisory department with their jobs. This can range from preparing accounts, scanning in documents and attaching to relevant working papers/files etc. I also use accounting software to prepare things like accounts that need ixbrl tagging and so forth

I believe that I have developed my existing skills since starting this job. I know this because I am a lot more organised and hard working and also my communication has improved massively from dealing with clients and other colleagues. A new skill I have learnt is the ability to use computerised accounting software efficiently

I enjoy my programme very well because I am constantly learning which is something that I wanted to do, as well as getting paid. I am also doing something that I enjoy so I find it really easy to have a good day at work. I haven't started hating the job yet so that is a good sign as I can see that I have potential to go far if I really put my mind to it.

The programme is well structured as we know roughly what modules we are sitting and when these modules will be learnt and when the exam will be sat. However, I do think it could be a little more organised as some offices have different ways of approaching the apprenticeship and I feel like my office sometimes is a little bit slow as me and another colleague have to book ourselves in for exams and sort out things which is quite stressful as sometimes it takes the college a while to get back to us.

I receive quite a lot of support from my employer as they always show praise when we have done things well and we always get feedback in the areas that we need to improve on. I have also realised that they are good in providing on the job training as if there is a particular area that we are struggling on, then they will take time out with us to go through things so that we know for future reference.

We do receive a lot of support from the training provider as we have small numbered lessons so they are always quite intimate and they always go over anything where you are struggling. The training provider also sends out emails where we can ask for help if we feel like we are struggling and they also provide good materials that we can use for studying like course books and question banks and access to a loads of practice questions online. The tutor also sends out an email every day after a lesson with all the teacher notes so we can use this for reference.

I believe that my qualification helps me to perform better because we are building skills and knowledge that is used and needed everyday in the workplace. The stuff that we have learnt in college so far has come in handy when preparing jobs as it is all the technical knowledge needed in accounting.

At work we have a social committee which I have joined - here we come up with ideas for all of the office to take part in. This week we have an annual quiz and in the summer we have a sports day. We also have a treat day where we go to the races and an annual Christmas party. The social committee are also in talks for some more upcoming events that we can do over the next few months. I have also taken part in professional networking as HR have contacted me a couple of times to go to schools and talk about my experience with the apprenticeship so far which has been nice because I am enjoying the apprenticeship and I like telling people about the other options that they have after they leave school

Yes

They are a good professional company with a lot of good benefits. The apprenticeship is good because you get to travel and you aren't stuck in one place all the time. The company are friendly and really make you feel welcome and you also learn a lot. Everybody within the firm is friendly and makes you feel welcome and the company has good opportunities for you to flourish and be the best version of yourself.

When applying to RSM, I would say stay true to who you are and don't try and change yourself for the job , otherwise you will be unhappy, but also RSM, as a company, look for people with personalities not just knowledge and qualifications. Make sure you show your best version of yourself in all the interviews and application process and don't give up