As a School Leaver at RSM, my role has developed in the last 2 ½ years. A week of my life now includes less of the preparation of the self-assessment tax returns of our clients, I am now reviewing returns which junior members of the team prepare for me.
The majority of my client base are high net worth individuals. I therefore liaise with my clients regarding their affairs and provide advice, when necessary, this can range from the amount of pension contributions to set aside for a year to more complex and long term planning such as the benefits of setting up an investment company for the long term succession and benefits for our clients’ children.
Planning regarding cryptocurrencies has now been a part of my role due to clients planning to sell these currencies at a large gain (including the implications of transferring from one cryptocurrency to another). I have been studying alongside work for my professional exams to gain the holy grail of CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor)… hopefully for not much longer!
Whilst in sixth form, I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship rather than go down the university route (although I did apply to study Economics as the University Of Birmingham which I was fortunately accepted). I initially looked at Jaguar Land Rover as they are the most reputable apprenticeship provider, at an engineering conference I then learnt about apprenticeships being offered in the world of finance.
I took part in a work experience programme with Grant Thornton whilst in sixth form where I had experience in both Audit and Tax, I then learnt that I preferred tax and was offered a role in the Private Client team here at RSM. The application process was quite similar to that of the big 4 except for the assessment centre, I would advise new applicants to just be themselves due to the fact that personality is a driving factor to being offered a job at RSM.
My main duty now is to liaise with my clients, keeping their tax affairs up to date and provide them with bespoke advice when it comes to financial planning and wealth succession from a tax perspective. My working hours are 9-5:30 but I can opt to work from home when it is suitable, definitely comes in use when studying for my exams to cut out the commuting time.
