RSM |

Daniel joined RSM in 2021 as an assistant in the corporation tax team. Currently, he is a tax associate specialising in innovation reliefs, in the Leeds office.

Throughout his time at RSM, Daniel has developed a passion for his role. He shared with us:

‘I have really enjoyed my time here at RSM so far. To be completely honest, when I first applied for the role, I had no idea what it would entail but I do not regret applying for a second. What I really enjoy about my job is learning about all the different projects that our clients are undertaking across such wide range of industries. I enjoy really getting to know what companies are doing to push the boundaries of innovation.’

Before joining RSM, Daniel studied chemical engineering, which he has found has a direct application to his role: ‘A big part of my job is understanding the underlying science and technology of the R&D projects that companies are undertaking, so my degree has really helped with that aspect.’

‘I think my degree gave me a good foundation in areas such as problem solving, time-management and teamwork. RSM has really allowed me to flourish, and it’s made me a much more rounded person, both in work and in my personal life. As a result, it’s allowed me to further develop these strengths, but also improve on any areas that need it.’

Since joining RSM, the support and training Daniel has received has been ‘second to none’, as ‘everyone is happy to help, no matter how busy they seem…especially the senior [staff], they were once in our position!’. Daniel was happy to discuss the way in which RSM supports all of their trainees; ‘RSM ensures your trainee cohort are starting on the same footing, even if they do have some background in accountancy or tax’; illustrating that your degree subject should not deter you from applying for a graduate role at RSM.

A clear message is reinforced throughout Daniel’s responses is the importance of being able to ask colleagues for help:

'Everyone is happy to help. All the way from the senior leadership team, down to your buddy who’s a year ahead in their development. Everyone is there to make sure that you get the support you need. RSM are always happy to help with your wellbeing, ongoing learning, and professional development. This might be through extra-curricular activities that you want to get involved in, or just any extra support or help required for your professional qualification.’

While our programmes are designed to challenge you from day one, Daniel has been able to enjoy the social aspects of working at RSM, which for him have included trips to the cricket, or to go watch ice hockey, or even to a pig farm! Additionally, all employees at RSM have the opportunity to take part in a volunteering day, and for his Daniel spent the day at St Vincent de Paul society; ‘The volunteer day was very rewarding, and I am really glad I could contribute, even in a very small way.’

Daniel’s passion for RSM and his role is clear.

‘I could not imagine myself in another job, and it really does not matter what degree you did or are currently doing. RSM makes sure that everyone is starting off on the same page. What makes working here so great, is the wealth of experiences and knowledge that everyone brings to the table.’

If you want a role where you can make an impact from day one, take a look at our graduate career opportunities.

Make an impact, be our future.

Shannon joined RSM in August 2022 as part of the accounting and business advisory (AIA) graduate programme. Shannon has been working with the accounting and business advisory (ABA) team at our Newcastle office.

Shannon studied maths at university, a degree that would prove quite useful to her life at RSM.

‘It wasn’t completely unrelated to the accounts preparation work which I am mainly involved in day to day as I feel a strong foundation in general numeric skills has helped me to better understand key accounting concepts. However, I hadn’t really even seen a set of financial statements prior to starting at RSM!’

Shannon credits university for providing her with a number of soft skills that have been transferrable in her transition to the workplace. For example, she’s been able to take the communication and teamwork skills she learnt through group presentation and apply it to her everyday working life. These skills gave her some comfort when interacting with and needing to communicate efficiently with her colleagues.

Although maths was helpful to Shannon, she emphasises that in no way did studying a different subject outside of accounting at university disadvantage her in her role at RSM.

Shannon explained to us that this was due to the extensive and varied training that is given to all graduates.

‘The training opportunities are second to none.’

‘There have been great opportunities for learning and training within my service line, which has come in a variety of different formats. Obviously, the day-to-day learning on the job from colleagues has been invaluable for getting to grips with work processes, but the extensive library of training videos and courses have really helped my greater knowledge as well. Moreover, studying for my Associate Chartered Accounting (ACA) qualification has also helped me to develop my technical knowledge which has supported me in my everyday work.’

At RSM, we want to see our graduates flourish in their roles, so we provide opportunities for them to work on personal development and skills, outside of the compulsory training.

Since joining RSM, Shannon has benefitted from the support given by line manager, in the form of regular advice where ‘both advice and practical solutions’ are offered to ensure that she achieves her career goals. These catch ups are very beneficial at RSM, especially due to the hard work that our graduates put in to achieve success.

Shannon was keen to give her experience of the additional activities provided at RSM. Mainly in the opportunities the firm provides to get involved and help local charities, such as the ‘office charity spin challenge’ for ‘Daft as a Brush’ that she participated in.

We asked Shannon if she had any advice for graduates thinking of applying to RSM.

‘The main advice I would give is to go for it! RSM are a very supportive employer and have been great during the early part of my career development. I would also advise you to just be yourself during the interview process, as personality is a key part of what drives people and is what people want to see.’

If you’re interested in an exciting career journey like Shannon’s - why not apply for a graduate role at RSM? Regardless of what you studied at university, you can count on us to be by your side every step of your journey, with hands-on experience, on the job training and tailored professional development to accelerate your career.

We run programmes across audit, tax, and consulting, so you can choose the path that’s right for you. Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll be supported through the relevant professional qualifications and training at every step.

Take the first steps towards your future because with us, you can make an impact.

Luke’s journey at RSM began with his placement year here in 2019. Luke went on to join the ABA graduate scheme in 2021 and has been here since.

Luke describes his time at RSM so far as ‘insightful and brilliant’, with ‘plenty of good challenges’. This is an excellent testimonial that we believe captures the sentiment of our graduates. Luke, like many of our graduates’ experiences, has been filled with extensive training and opportunities. Luke has been able to see all the ways his hard work has translated into success in return.

Before joining RSM, Luke studied an accounting and finance degree – which is how he found himself at RSM for his placement year. It’s clear Luke has had a passion for professional services from the outset of his career.

Luke credits his studies for providing him with a good foundation for report writing and the discipline he has regarding studying – something that has been required for his professional qualification. Along with these great skills, he also expressed the importance of the soft skills he has learned.

I think the university experience develops you significantly. For example – it helps develop your communication and social skills and helps you understand flexibility and comradery – all things that are key to maintaining a good team and work culture.’

At RSM, our early careers programmes bring all graduates up to speed with the key skills needed to succeed, regardless of what they studied before joining the firm.

Luke attests his success at RSM to the quality of training he has received.

‘Training on technical accounting topics has been very interesting and informative. My main support has come from the manager group within my team. My line manager supports me on more complex jobs and continues to give me more opportunities to manage engagements/responsibilities as I progress.’

And it’s not just personal development and progression which is important at RSM. This year, Luke was recognised for his contribution to making an impact on our digital future at our employee awards. Specifically, Luke’s passion for digital innovation and his role in knowledge sharing were called out. It shows that at RSM, you truly can shape the future of the firm no matter what stage of your career journey you’re at.

With Luke highlighting the importance of creating a culture of communication that supports progression, it’s no surprise that Luke’s advice to new starters is:

‘Ask questions and know that it’s ok to make mistakes! It’s the best way to learn.’

Luke is a great example of the high achieving individuals that we train here at RSM. So, if this sounds like a culture, you’d like to be part of, why not check out our graduate opportunities?

Make an impact, be our future.