Trainee Accountant Review

Assisting in the preparation of accounts for Sole traders, Limited companies, Partnerships and Charities. iXBRL tagging of accounts for HMRC. Submission of accounts through Alpha-Tax and Tax-It. Producing VAT returns and bookkeeping. Completing work on a cloud based system and working within different teams to complete the accounts for clients.

During my apprenticeship I have learnt how to communicate professionally with clients and colleagues both verbally and in written form. It had boosted my confidence in my own knowledge and given me more responsibility when working on tasks independently. I have also gained a wider knowledge of the business sector and the activities that take place within it.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on and feel that the company in which I work for are very supportive within work and with external study. I am learning each day and no two accounts jobs are the same which allows me to progress quickly. They allow you to build independence by giving you a high level of responsibility early on.

The accounts programme is extremely well structured and it is easy to see this with colleagues older and younger than you who can also provide help with college through their own experiences. AAT and ACA are well structured through the sessions that are run at the colleges providing the training.

My employer provides a lot of support with college and college work and managers are very approachable when wanting to talk about college or any work that is becoming too much. They allow study days and days off to go to college to study as well as providing any extra support needed.

The training provider that I am with in Cambridge provides extensive courses on the AAT and ACA modules and allows plenty of time to learn the content as well as time for revision afterwards. They also have their own webpage in which you can access online resources and past papers.

The qualification that I am currently studying is AAT and if eel it is very supportive in aiding with development at work. The topics learnt at college link directly to the jobs at work particularly with accounts preparation, VAT returns and tax work. The qualification allows you to enhance your accounting knowledge and helps you to understand why certain processes are done at work rather that just how to complete certain tasks.

There are lots of social activities run within and outside the workplace to help everyone bond socially. There is something for everyone from sporting activities to baking and CSR events. Football is run regularly as well as activities as CSR events such as zorb football and the three peaks challenge. Baking also takes place in the office with 'bake-offs' and other events. There is also a national sports day to help the other offices to get together socially.

Yes

RSM has helped develop me as a person whilst also developing my accounting knowledge. I have been able to gain experience of being in a workplace and the environment whilst also being a student and studying towards professional qualifications. The learn as you work style apprenticeship is ideal for those who want to get their foot in the door in the business sector whilst also learning and studying towards degree equivalent qualifications.

When applying to RSM or any accounting firm it is important to apply as early as possible as spaces are usually limited and jobs are very competitive. Ensure you put your best self forward and emphasise what makes you stand out from the crowd and any extra circular activities that you participate in.