For many students finishing school in Jersey, deciding what comes next can feel daunting. While university is often seen as the traditional path, starting a career straight away can be just as rewarding. Matthew Tanner at RSM Channel Islands chose that alternative—joining the firm directly after school and beginning his journey into accounting and audit.

Matthew’s ambitions evolved over time. “Originally I wanted to be a rally driver,” he says but as he thought more seriously about his future, another path stood out. Instead of committing to several years of university, he decided to enter the workplace immediately and begin building experience. “I realised that spending several years at university, wasn’t something I was particularly keen on” he explains. “I wanted to start gaining real experience and connections.”

Audit appealed because of the respect the profession carries as well as the variety of working opportunities it provides once you have qualified. “The skills and knowledge I have gained during training process are extremely useful in everyday life,” he says.

Why RSM Channel Islands?

Choosing RSM felt like the right fit for Matthew. The firm being a global network while maintaining a close knit local team was a major draw. “That balance really appealed to me,” Matthew explains.

He also values the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues. Being in a local team meant more direct guidance—especially useful while studying for exams. “Everyone has a lot of experience and they’re always happy to help.”

Exposure to a wide variety of local businesses was another key attraction. Working with diverse clients has helped him build a broad understanding of how different organisations operate—a valuable foundation early in his career.  

“However, it may not be right for everyone” Matthew notes, “I recommend all school leavers undertake their own research into prospective employers before making a decision.  There are a number of different types of employers who provide accountancy training and it is important to find the right one for you..”

Settling into the Role

Now several months in, the experience has exceeded his expectations. “It’s been a great introduction to the profession,” he says.

One of the highlights has been the working environment. Strong relationships with colleagues make daytoday work enjoyable, and support is always available when learning new tasks or preparing for exams.

Matthew also enjoys working directly with clients. As a sociable person, he finds value in meeting people, learning about their businesses, and building professional relationships. “It’s something I really enjoy,” he adds.

A typical day is challenging, engaging, and varied. With a manageable workload and constant opportunities to learn, there’s a strong sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.  

Studying While Working

Alongside his role, Matthew is studying for professional qualifications through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.  

His recent A level study habits have also helped him adjust to combining work and revision. Still, balancing both can be challenging—particularly staying motivated after a full day in the office. To manage this, he’s developed a routine that includes revising with colleagues after work or coming in early to study with fewer distractions.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his journey so far, Matthew says the most important lesson has been not being afraid to ask for help. “When I first started, I tried to ask as few questions as possible, but in hindsight, that made things harder.”

His advice for anyone considering a training contract is straightforward: ask questions and lean on the experience of those around you. “Everyone has been in the same position before, and they’re there to help. The more you ask, the faster you learn.”

An Alternative Route to Success

For students in Jersey thinking about life after school, Matthew’s experience highlights the value of alternative routes into professional careers. Starting work straight away—gaining qualifications, experience, and confidence—can be a rewarding and practical alternative to the traditional university path.

This article was first published in March 2026 in the JEP What Next? careers supplement 

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.