Why I Chose RSM to Complete My Training Contract

Why I Chose RSM to Complete My Training Contract

Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in South Africa has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. As I reflect on my journey, the decision to choose RSM South Africa to complete my training contract stands out as a pivotal moment.

My training contract provided me with invaluable exposure, experiences, and insights that have shaped me into the professional I am today. There are several reasons why I chose RSM, and these reasons have played a key role in my growth at the firm. From the variety of work I was exposed to, the incredible culture of the firm, and the people who made it all possible, RSM South Africa provided an environment that allowed me to thrive and flourish as an aspiring Chartered Accountant.

1. The Exposure to Different Audit Clients and Industries

One of the most significant factors that attracted me to RSM South Africa was the firm’s size and ability to offer a diverse range of opportunities. As a medium-sized audit firm, it provided an ideal balance between exposure to a broad variety of clients and the opportunity to have a more personalised experience in my training. I worked on audits across a wide array of industries, which gave me the chance to diversify my experience and knowledge.

From retail to manufacturing, financial services to mining, RSM’s client base spans multiple industries, each with unique challenges, requirements, and business models. The variety of audit clients meant that no two days were ever the same, and I was constantly learning and adapting to different contexts. Additionally, RSM’s involvement in various types of engagements—whether it was a full audit, an independent review engagement, or non-assurance services—meant that I was not confined to just one kind of work. This diversity of service offerings allowed me to understand and appreciate the nuances of each type of engagement, while also developing a well-rounded skill set.

2. Exposure to Different Sections of Audit Work

Another reason I chose RSM South Africa was the opportunity to work across various sections of the audit process. I was given the chance to work on multiple elements of an entity's audit. I was not limited to just one area of audit being a specific set of account balances or specific sections of the financial statements. Instead, I was able to get involved in a wide range of areas, from the risk assessment phase to substantive testing and final reporting. This comprehensive exposure allowed me to understand the full audit cycle and how different sections of an audit come together to form a coherent and complete picture of a client’s financial standing. Working on a variety of audit areas also gave me the ability to develop broad skill sets that will serve me well as I progress in my career. Whether it was testing controls, analysing financial statements, or evaluating the reasonableness of management’s estimates, I gained hands-on experience with many of the key aspects of an audit. This type of varied exposure not only kept the work engaging but also helped me develop the confidence to handle complex and diverse audit assignments.

3. The Culture at RSM: Support, Encouragement, and Knowledge Sharing

While technical experience is critical in training to become a Chartered Accountant, the culture of the firm in which you work is equally important. RSM South Africa truly excels in this area, From day one, I felt welcomed, valued, and supported by the team. The firm’s culture fostered an environment where I could ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from the experienced professionals around me.

The people at RSM are one of the firm’s greatest assets. Whether it was my fellow trainees, managers, or directors, everyone was approachable, friendly, and genuinely interested in helping me succeed. I was encouraged to ask questions, and there was no shortage of support from the senior team members, they were always willing to share their knowledge. The open-door policy meant that I could have conversations with directors, and I never felt alone in navigating my training journey.

In addition to the technical support, I also found that RSM's culture encouraged personal development and growth. The firm believes in investing in its people, providing regular feedback, and offering opportunities for professional development. The mentorship I’ve received at RSM helped me grow not only as an accountant but as a well-rounded professional.

4. Building Genuine Friendships and Fantastic Memories

One of the unexpected yet rewarding outcomes of my time at RSM was the friendships I’ve formed. The work environment at RSM South Africa promoted collaboration and camaraderie, my colleagues weren’t just people I worked with—they became friends. Whether it was collaborating on audit assignments, sharing a coffee break, or participating in social events, I built meaningful relationships that went beyond the workplace. The friendships I formed with other staff members made my training journey enjoyable. These connections created a sense of community within the firm, which contributed to a positive work atmosphere. In addition to the professional knowledge gained, the personal connections made with colleagues have been one of the highlights of my experience at the firm.

5. The Real Joy People Take in Their Work

There is a palpable sense of passion and enthusiasm at RSM South Africa that permeates the entire organisation. The people at RSM take genuine joy in their work, this is something that I quickly noticed and something that continues to inspire me. Whether it was an audit assignment, a client meeting, or a team-building event, there was always a sense of pride and satisfaction in what we did. This positive attitude towards work fosters a strong sense of team spirit, and it encouraged me to approach my own work with a similar level of enthusiasm.

Working with people who are passionate about what they do has a significant impact on your own attitude and work ethic. The collective energy and drive within the firm motivated me to consistently do my best and pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone. Seeing how much people enjoyed their work and how it translated into excellent service for clients was both inspiring and motivating for me.

In conclusion, my decision to choose RSM South Africa to complete my training contract was a decision I will never regret. The firm provided me with diverse exposure to different clients, industries, and types of work that helped me develop a wide range of skills. Above all, I found a work environment where people genuinely enjoy their work, and this has left a lasting impression on me.

RSM South Africa gave me the foundation I needed to become a well-rounded, confident Chartered Accountant. I do not doubt that my training period at RSM has set me up for continued success in my career. The firm’s combination of excellent training, supportive culture, and diverse opportunities is what makes RSM South Africa a top choice for anyone looking to complete their training contract and embark on a career in accounting.

Camren Ferreira 

Assistant Manager: Audit