Rida Nadeem, BSc Accounting and Finance | RSM
What have you been doing since graduation?
I started my ACA training contract with RSM (then Baker Tilly – the name changed in October 2015) as a tax assistant. I started working in July 2015 (a week before my graduation ceremony).
I work in Personal Tax but have also done a three-month secondment in Corporation Tax since joining. Other than that, I regularly liaise closely with other departments such as accounts, outsourcing and audit in the process of working in tax.
I have also been doing ICAEW ACA exams and have so far done 8 out of the 15. Therefore I have been attending both internal and external training courses and so continue to develop and learn new things as I progress in my career. The exams are tough but as you pass them, they most certainly give you a lot of satisfaction!
Have you been back to Birmingham since graduation? Are you a regular visitor?
I haven’t been back since but I am a resident of Solihull so do go into the Birmingham City Centre frequently. All I can say is that it is a nice city to be in.
Are you still in touch with friends that you made while you were here?
Yes, we still occasionally meet up.
What did you learn during your time at university that you’ve found valuable since leaving? Do you still use information/skills learnt during your degree in your working life now?
As I’m doing the ACA which is directly relevant to my degree, yes I have most definitely used pretty much everything I learnt at university. Working in an accountancy firm also requires an understanding of all the underlying principles which are not necessarily taught at work. Compared to non-accountancy graduates on the scheme, I do feel I grasp things quicker and I’m glad I did this degree as it has allowed me to form a good basis for my career.
How did your time at university help your career prospects?
The many modules which I studied at university helped me choose which specific field I wanted to go in (i.e. tax) and the careers talks have also been useful in exploring the different further qualifications and choosing the right one.
I also participated in the PASS scheme and the Capgemini Community Challenge which I think taught me practical skills which undoubtedly enhanced my CV.
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