Updating Results

Nicole Moffatt

At RSM, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and quality of work provided to clients. The work we undertake varies and no two clients are the same.

What's your job about?

RSM Australia is one of the leading professional services firms in Australia, providing expert corporate financial and advisory accounting services. My division specialises in compliance and business advisory services, providing services to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Self Managed Superannuation Funds and individuals.

After working at RSM for 10 months now, I can confidently say that I have never experienced the same day twice. My day-to-day work can include anything from producing financial statements, income tax returns and activity statements, to processing monthly management accounts, reports and payrolls. My week usually involves training sessions and workshops, staff meetings and progress updates, as well as social events and activities held by the social or engagement committee.

At RSM, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and quality of work provided to clients. The work we undertake varies and no two clients are the same. Apart from requiring technical skills, we have to know our client’s needs and expectations to be able to provide relevant assistance and support to them. This makes the work we do both interesting and challenging.

What's your background?

I am Sydney born and raised and attended Loreto Normanhurst High School until Year 10. It was during this year that I commenced full-time ballet training and completed my high school education by Distance Education. At the age of 17, I moved to London, United Kingdom to study ballet at The Royal Ballet School. Upon graduation, I started my job as a professional ballet dancer with The Birmingham Royal Ballet. I was fortunate to dance and travel all around the world with this company for five years, until my career ended from a serious injury.

I moved back to Sydney and undertook my degree at Macquarie University. During this time I worked several different jobs, in a restaurant and bar and as a medical administration assistant in a radiology department. During my final year at university, I applied for the graduate program at RSM Australia. After several stages of tests, interviews and assessment centres, I was very fortunate to have been offered a job as a graduate in the Business Advisory division in Sydney. I have been working at RSM Australia for ten months now and could not think of a better place to work.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

We have numerous people at RSM, including myself, who have come from different backgrounds or have had different careers prior to accounting, however to work in Business Advisory, an accounting degree is recommended. An accounting degree not only provides you with a good foundation but is also required to complete the Chartered Accounting (CA) Program, which we undertake in our first few years at RSM.

While an accounting degree is important, I believe there are many other skills that are key to working as an accountant. Communication, time management and adaptably are just a few skills, which will really help you to become a versatile and well-rounded employee.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

One of my favourite things about my job is being able to work with such a diverse range of people. The clients I work with are from a variety of industries with their own specific requirements and I have learnt a lot from being exposed to this diverse range on a daily basis.

While RSM is quite a large firm, they also have a very personal and hands on approach and promote teamwork within the divisions. I have been fortunate enough to work directly with employees from all levels at RSM, including Partners and Principals who are more than willing to give their time and pass on some of their expert skills and experience gained over the years.

What are the limitations of your job?

Towards the end of the financial year, we experience our busy period, which means we have a high level of jobs to complete with strict deadlines. Longer hours may be required, which can be mentally and physically demanding, however RSM’s partners, principals and managers provide a lot of support during this period. At the end of the financial year, we are also rewarded with a social event for all of our hard work.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

  1. You don’t have to know everything at first. I have gained most of my knowledge from actually doing the practical work, asking questions and learning from my mistakes.
  2. Having a good work-life balance is important. Joining the social club and participating in activities held by the engagement committee can support a balanced lifestyle.
  3. There is great value in forming relationships and connections with colleagues from all divisions and offices. This enables you to learn from the experience gained by your colleagues.