At the Utrecht office of RSM at Oorsprongpark, Wilfred Castricum and Aiko Koster share their vision on growth, quality and commitment. According to both gentlemen, it is no coincidence that RSM, with seven hundred employees and seven offices in the Netherlands, ranks high as a business service provider in the MT1000 this year.

"Personal commitment is the foundation of our organisation”, says Wilfred Castricum, partner and Head of Audit & Assurance. That commitment starts by opting for transparent regional teams where everyone knows each other. "We recently had a staff party and I knew nearly everyone. That is essential if you want to stay connected with colleagues. And through them, with our clients.”

Globally connected

That closeness is combined with an international network. RSM operates worldwide. “We are regionally rooted, but globally connected”, says Aiko Koster, partner and Head of Tax. “This allows us, for example, to quickly respond to American clients in the Netherlands through designated contact persons.” The international dimension not only brings in new clients, but also ensures cross-pollination. “I know many foreign partners personally because we serve clients together. That personal trust results in efficient collaboration”, Castricum observes.

No bulky reports

RSM's comprehensive range of services focuses on larger SMEs, family businesses and private equity firms. In these segments, there is a growing need for specialised knowledge. The RSM Nyenrode Initiative, a collaboration with Nyenrode University, is valuable in this respect, producing research on and for family businesses. “Our clients have to deal with regulations that are often designed for multinationals. You have to make those rules understandable", Castricum explains. “We don't use bulky reports but instead work with the client to identify their needs.” 
Koster adds: "Ultimately, it's all about our client's goals. You could tell them that something is not legally possible, but it is better to inquire why they want something. You engage in conversation and look for the best solution within the given parameters. This is our approach in all disciplines. Not only in accountancy and tax consultancy, but also in M&A Services and Business Consulting.”

A striking example of their approach is their collaboration with NOC*NSF. “We are not merely a traditional sponsor, but a true partner”, Castricum adds. “As the official Accountancy & Tax partner, we offer tax advice to top athletes and have developed a so-called association monitor that provides insight into the performance of sports associations. This fits in seamlessly with our philosophy: identifying needs, unburdening and creating impact.”

Sport as a unifying force

The collaboration touches on an important theme within RSM: vitality. “Every colleague has a vitality budget”, says Koster. “Whether that's for the gym, running shoes or a mental coach – the goal is physical and mental fitness.” Sport is also used as a unifying force at the regional level, where RSM supports initiatives as well. Employees participate in events such as the Eindhoven Quarter Marathon, the Dam tot Damloop and the Amsterdam Marathon. “This is how we link vitality to team spirit”, says Castricum.

Internally, RSM invests heavily in quality and development. Employees receive ongoing training through a learning platform and the RSM Academy. “We believe in development through responsibility”, says Koster. “This also means that it is OK to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.” This culture of development has resulted in new specialisations within the organisation. “Our valuation branch started with a number of colleagues who had an affinity with business valuations”, says Castricum. “We gave them the space to develop and it has grown into a mature discipline.”

Internal entrepreneurship

According to Castricum, it is this combination of entrepreneurship, professional expertise and a human touch that sets RSM apart. “We are not an organisation that gets lost in bulky manuals. We encourage internal entrepreneurship. This is appreciated by clients and colleagues alike.” The culture within RSM is characterised by a balance between freedom and responsibility. “We don't want rigid rules, but clear frameworks for common sense”, says Koster. “That requires trust and openness.” 
What increasingly characterises RSM is its ability to translate complex data and compliance requirements into actionable insights. “Data is only valuable if it results in the right action”, according to Castricum. “That requires people who understand what goes on in a company.”

Through its in-depth knowledge of the market, pragmatic approach, strong client relationships and an organisational culture focused on growth and trust, RSM demonstrates that personal commitment and professional quality are mutually reinforcing. “We don't provide standard solutions, but instead help our clients find solutions from their perspective”, says Koster. "That is why employees stay with us. And if they do leave, they often return as clients."