Finance Graduate Review

In my current role I am helping with process changes to aid annual reporting. My other responsibilities have and continue to be checking lock status reports in order to make sure all the numbers are locked done. I also help with the reconciliations between systems to ensure the numbers being pulled through are correct. This is essential to ensure the reports that are being sent to the regulators are correct. I also help with reviewing board papers to ensure they are consistent and accurate.

I have been able to develop my spreadsheet skills through the work I have done looking at analytics between templates that are submitted quarterly and annually. This skill has also been enhanced through the work I am doing with changing the process of one of the annual forms. I have been exposed to new systems that have required training by specific individuals to allow me to partake in the responsibilities that have been assigned to me. My communication skills have also developed as I have had to adapt depending on who I am speaking with depending on the matter at hand.

I am really enjoying the Finance Graduate programme and my current role. I am currently on my first rotation as part of this programme and it is great to have had the chance to engage with such a broad range of people in the short amount of time I have been here. There has been plenty of opportunity to speak with other graduates to gain insight into what else the programme has to offer. I am looking forward to seeing what my future rotations bring.

The induction to RSA was very well structured. Having two weeks to find my feet and get familiar with my team and responsibilities made a huge impact in allowing me to feel settled and ready from the start. A specific graduate induction week followed this, which was well structured with plenty of engaging talks from various teams. These were balanced with icebreaker activities which were a great opportunity to get to know the other graduates and also some key contacts.

I meet with my line manager fortnightly and feel very supported by them. Having regular calls with other individuals in my team has also given me the opportunity to ask any questions I have whether that be task specific or not. Frequent emails are sent out by HR with direction to plenty of resources especially surrounding wellbeing should this be something I wanted to spend some time looking at. I meet with my mentor every three weeks and have really felt the benefit from these sessions. The focus of these sessions has been partly work and knowledge, but also about career and development.

The main support I have received is from my tutor when on live online lectures. I have found they are great at answering queries during the lectures and are happy to offer support outside of lecture time whether that be from the Kaplan portal itself or by email. I do not feel that supported by my Learning coach who has only reached out with the same email each time I have enrolled on my new module, however this could be due to me not having requested any further support than the initial induction that was had.

Studying for my ACCA qualification has allowed me to apply what I have learnt to my role. From learning about management accounting I have been able to see how this is applied in RSA as a business also. The reporting specific content I have learnt is relevant to my current role and has allowed me to apply this and also deepen my understanding as to why we as a company have to report to regulators.

Due to COVID some activities that would normally have gone ahead have been unable to. RSA hold an annual sports day for the Finance team prior to the new graduates starting to give everyone an opportunity to meet and have some fun. I was really looking forward to this, so will definitely be taking part in the next one when it is able to take place. I have been involved with the monthly Culture club training newsletter which has been a great opportunity to work with some of the other graduates and provide this final piece to share with the rest of the Finance team sharing ideas for work and home life.

Yes

I started my job remotely which was not what I anticipated. However, my team and other members of RSA that I interacted with have all made me feel very welcome and settled. Knowing I have future rotations, is a great way to know I will get exposure to multiple parts of the business. It is a great company to have started my first job out of University at and I feel proud to work for a Top Employer for Apprenticeships!

Practice plenty of online tests before you do the ones for RSA Group just to get yourself familiar with the structure of the questions. For the interview make sure you really understand the apprenticeship that RSA offers and how you will benefit from it. Except the natural interview nerves, I found the assessment centre an enjoyable experience. I felt welcome and at ease as soon as I entered the building, this being a main reason for why I think RSA Group is a great employer. And most importantly enjoy it and be yourself.