“I’m Phil Houghton, qualified audit senior at RPG. I joined the graduate programme in September 2018. RPG appealed to me as they offered the structured ACA graduate programme and from the research I’d done it seemed like they offered students good support, which was further confirmed at the interview.

I got my first taste of accountancy when I studied it for A-levels at college, I then went on to do an accounting & finance degree at Liverpool John Moores University before joining RPG. Since becoming ACA qualified the training has not stopped, we are often given the opportunity to enroll on online courses to aid our continued professional development.

My favourite thing about working in audit is the opportunity to go out and see clients, many of which in interesting industries. A few years ago, I visited a client that was playing a leading role in the development of virtual reality games, I even got to don a headset and give one a try!

I enjoy the variety on offer in my day-to-day role. Right from day one I was not pigeonholed to a particular area of audit or type of client, meaning I now have experience in a wide range of areas.

A typical day at work for me may varies but I’m often sat with a client, hearing about how their year has gone and if there have been any changes. And then working with colleagues as part of the audit team to conduct that year’s audit.”

“I’m Annabel and I joined the Business Services team as a Semi-Senior in October 2021 having previously spent the last 6 years working and studying to be a chartered accountant.

I chose to join RPG because I had heard a lot of good things about the firm and after my interviews it was obvious to me that the company had a really good culture.

I love working here because it is very organised, there are lots of opportunities for me to progress and different types of work to get involved in.  The office has a lovely happy vibe which I really enjoy.

As I am still studying for my ACCA exams, RPG’s hybrid working system of being able to work at home for two days a week has really helped me fit home studying into my schedule.  Then I take study leave around the exam periods. It is all working really well!”

“Hi, I’m Matt Hurst and I joined RPG as an Audit Manager in December 2021 – in fact strictly speaking, that is when I returned to RPG. After graduating from Bangor University in 2015 I joined RPG as an ICAEW trainee and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2018. I left RPG in December 2019 to join a regional accountancy practice before returning to RPG two years later.

My decision to return was heavily influenced by the personal development and progression opportunities that had arisen as a result of the recent expansion of RPG along with the number and variety of new clients that the firm has won.

I am now an Audit Manager which means that I am responsible for the day to day management  of a number of our audits, managing the team, liaising with the client and making sure that all of the deadlines are achieved. I work closely with the Senior Statutory Auditors as well as other colleagues across the firm.

Since returning to RPG, I have enjoyed getting to know the new clients and catching up with colleagues old and new. There is a great team ethic as well as a fantastic social side.  It’s really good to be back.”

“I joined RPG straight from college in September 2018 and enrolled straight onto the apprenticeship programme. I now expect to complete my training and sit my final exams in December 2023.

The Non-Graduate scheme has allowed me to be paid as opposed to paying for my education, as well as providing me with invaluable, hands-on experience to get my career off to the perfect start. It has been the correct decision for me and I have benefitted immensely from the experiences it offers. I have worked both in RPG’s accounts team and also in audit which is the area in which I have chosen to specialise. I am now almost fully qualified and have also gained a great deal of work experience.

There are also lots of social activities organised both centrally and by RPG’s social committee, so there is plenty going on!”

“My name is James and I’m an Audit Associate at RPG. I have been with the company for just over two years now.

I joined RPG as a Graduate Trainee after studying Accounting & Finance at Aberystwyth University. Working and studying can be quite a challenge. However, one of the great aspects of RPG is knowing that there are several people at the same level as you, so there is always someone who you can study with. Support not only comes from colleagues in your same position, but also from Managers and Directors.

I have the opportunity to check in with my Line Manager regularly to discuss my progress – this allows us to discuss my study plan, ensuring it is suitable, with a focus on what works for me.

The best part about working as an Audit Associate at RPG is the ability to regularly visit clients and meet new people. From my first few weeks at RPG, I was meeting senior management at Owner Managed Businesses, allowing me to develop professional relationships and people skills. Two years later, it is always a joy to visit a client and see how they have progressed.

The working environment at RPG is always very positive, everyone is treated as a valued individual and everyone is very friendly. We always know we can rely on each other to pull together in order to meet deadlines and achieve goals. Essentially, we always support each other.”