RSM welcomes Anold Dirwayi and Martin Ronoh

In September last year Anold Dirwayi and Martin Ronoh joined our management team.  As experienced auditors with backgrounds combining Big 4, mid-tier and industry exposure they brought a wealth of knowledge with them.

Having completed six months with RSM Channel Islands and with a new audit season underway Phil Crosby caught up with Anold and Martin to discuss their experience of joining RSM and their early impressions of the firm.

When you were looking for a new role, why did RSM stand out as a potential employer?

Anold: RSM stood out for me because of its supportive leadership, approachable partners, and the promise of a manageable, well structured workload that allows staff to contribute meaningfully.

Martin: I was looking for a supportive environment where care, collaboration and diverse perspectives are accommodated.  I also have a family that require my time and this was a great factor since I enjoy being at front line in audit but also enjoy time with my family. All these were my considerations that I had in mind and when I considered RSM what stood out for me was the way you respect work life balance and allow me to bring in my ideas.

How was your experience of the RSM interview and recruitment process?

Anold: The interview and recruitment process felt personal, structured, and transparent, with each interviewer showing genuine interest and openness.

Martin: I found the first interview to be interesting, interactive and the partners who interviewed me asked me deep questions, and the interview was more of a conversation about if I will fit the role they were recruiting for as well as respecting the firm culture.  The second interview continued the conversation from the previous interview and questions revolved around the role and how I would match; one comment was,’’ aside from RSM looking for someone to fit the role, you should also be asking us if our culture will match what you are looking for,’’ this was a reflective moment and gave me an impression that we were having interaction to find mutual understanding.

How was your experience of the RSM induction process?

Anold: The induction was welcoming and inclusive, with senior leadership actively involved and encouraging questions, making it easy to settle confidently.

Martin: The induction process went well.  On my first day I was introduced around the office and had a meeting with leadership on various systems, processes and policies within the organisation.  All the questions I had were answered. What stands out is the senior leadership being involved to assist me through the process and being there to help along the way.

How has RSM lived up to your expectations (so far)?

Anold: RSM has been supportive and collaborative, with leaders who remain accessible.  I have a balanced portfolio that makes learning and development manageable, while also being challenged to use my knowledge and contribute to my clients.

Martin:  Yes, RSM has exceeded my expectation, especially in the core things that attracted me here in the first place. The collaborative vibe, mentorship opportunities, and focus on walking the talk on authenticity rather than just corporate talking points.

I have had meaningful exposure to solid work as well as in person interactions with clients which helps to build good relationships and network as well as great colleagues to collaborate with every day. I interact with leadership every day and this matters for me especially on the mentorship part.

If I had to sum it up: it met the “good place with strong culture and growth’’ bar that the firm has set, and in areas like leadership and team support, it has exceeded what I hoped for.

What would you say to potential recruits who might be thinking of joining RSM?  Would you recommend they apply to RSM?

Anold: I would strongly encourage potential recruits to apply as RSM offers supportive teams, open communication, and an environment where different viewpoints are valued.

Martin: RSM is a great launchpad if you are in early days of your career in audit, tax or advisory, you will get opportunities to learn a lot, build network, build real relationships and position yourself well for future career.

For experienced hires, the collaborative environment and client variety can be refreshing to your career. RSM is a “people first and middle market powerhouse’’ that challenges you on one hand and supports you in every way to achieve your objectives.

What have been your highlights so far?

Anold: My highlights include working with supportive leaders, handling a balanced portfolio, and contributing ideas in a culture that welcomes different perspectives.

Martin:  Among many I would start with genuine team support; one instance during intense tough client deliverable crunch, the managing partner who was the engagement leader stepped in to assist without hesitation, offering to share workload and offering guidance and checking in how I am holding up personally. It was not just ‘’get it done’’- it was real care. I have seen this play out every day and this makes me happy to be part of the firm.

Second comes meaningful day to day interactions with clients including face-to-face meetings. I even attended an annual general meeting late last year and felt valued and part of a supportive team.

I have also been given opportunities by the leadership to assist in driving tech in audits which is something that ignites passion in me to move audits to next level.

Anything else you would like to add?

Martin: Due to more hands-on experience that I get with our clientele, I have had client CEOs and CFOs personally thank me and the team and name check individuals after we’ve completed our work. Those moments remind me that our work matters beyond just timesheet completion - our work has real impacts on the organisations that we work with.

 

RSM Channel Islands is an Approved Employer with both The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.  

Candidates wishing to apply for training positions with us should submit a covering letter and full CV by email to recruitment@rsmci.com