Finance Graduate Review

On the graduate scheme, we have the opportunity to move around different teams across the Finance function, from technical roles in Claims Accounting to more business facing roles such as Finance Business Partnering. I am currently on the UK Analyst team, responsible for providing result analysis to key stakeholders in the business.

I am constantly learning new skills, from IT skills to technical Accounting/Insurance skills. I have become much more experienced in Finance having come from a mathematical background with no prior knowledge of Finance/Accounting/Insurance. I look forward to having the opportunity to move teams again and use the experience to develop more skills.

I am thoroughly enjoying my time on the programme. The support we receive through our qualification, along with the learning opportunities we get through work make it a great scheme. I look forward to rolling off the programme when I am fully qualified and seeing what I can achieve going forward.

The programme is well structured. We have at least one year in London and at least one year in Liverpool working across different teams, and the third year is left flexible for what your career, role and location preferences are going forward. Although there is a good structure, there is also a lot of flexibility which adds to the enjoyment of it as you feel as you have a say in your future.

We receive plenty of support, from time off to study, to learning opportunities in work, as well as training from Kaplan Financial through our exams. It can be difficult and overwhelming coming into a new job with no experience or background knowledge, but the support I have received has been great.

Kaplan Financial provides Classroom learning, Online Classes, On Demand classes, as well as distance learning. I have recently been doing the classroom learning and this is split up into tuition days, revision days and a question based day. As well as this, we are each assigned a talent coach to help us through the qualification with focus on the end point assessment.

Although some of the theory can be applied to my role, the majority of it is not overly relevant currently as I am working as an Analyst in an Insurance company, so it is completely different to standard financial statements. However, ratio analysis is helpful, while not directly related using the same ratios, its the same concept.

Every quarter we have a team day in which we start with a meeting and then afterwards go for a meal and drinks. As well as this, there is a Networking group on the internal social media page, Yammer, which offers a variety of Networking events that you can attend.

Yes

I would recommend RSA to a friend because it is full of incredibly intelligent but also very friendly people, who are always willing to help. The amount of knowledge I have gained from other people has been massive and definitely will help me throughout my career with RSA going forward.

I would give the advice to put time into your CV and application, make sure you are selling the best version of you, and also do your research of the company. It makes a big difference if you can include specific points relating to RSA in your application or interview.