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As one of the world’s largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions – we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.

External audit - get the career you want at RSM

Our external audit school leaver apprenticeship programme will give you all the skills and support you need to unlock a future that’s packed with opportunities and new experiences. You’ll enjoy a fast-tracked business career that recognises your potential and rewards your ambition.

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a powerful combination of on-the-job learning and structured training – not to mention an impressive client list to work with. You’ll discover a culture that nurtures individuality and an environment where everyone is supported to reach their potential. With us, you’ll always be moving forward.

What does our external audit team do?

Our team carries out a detailed, risk-based review of a company’s financial records and control environment to form an opinion on whether the financial statements prepared by the directors are true and fair.

A robust audit challenges the financial operations of a company and improves the internal workings of the audited business. This is critical in today’s business world as the financial statements are one of only a small number of documents that a company will place into the public domain, and a quality audit gives confidence in what is delivered to all stakeholders.

What can you expect?

At RSM, you’ll be a key member of our team from day one. You’ll get involved in client work very quickly, initially working as part of a larger team before taking on individual responsibility for projects. The depth of services and clients you’ll be exposed to will help you kick-start your career. You could be working with a wide variety of organisations, including large listed financial institutions, national retail chains, and high- profile charities, as well as some of our international clients that operate throughout the UK and beyond.

RSM’s school leaver apprenticeship in external audit will give you access to top quality career development. Alongside hands-on experience, you’ll benefit from on-the-job training from more senior members of the team and gain access to our internal training courses that will help you develop in the role. With our support, you’ll become a true trusted adviser to your clients in the future.

When you join this team, you’ll work towards your professional qualifications by completing a 5-year apprenticeship programme. This consists of the AAT qualification with the Association of Accounting Technicians for the first two years, followed by the ACA qualification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) for the remaining three years. If you are based in Scotland, you will complete the AAT first then the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). If you are based in Ireland, you will complete the AAT first then the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification with Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI).

What we look for

We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic self-starters who are always up for a challenge. Audit is a technically demanding discipline, so we look for school leaver apprentices who are quick to grasp new subjects. It’s important you also have confidence with numbers and great attention to detail. You’ll often need to explain complex financial information, so you’ll need excellent written and verbal communication skills. What separates us from our competitors is the financial acumen we demonstrate and we expect that right from the start from our people.

If that sounds like you, we know you’ll enjoy being part of our team.

Flexible working

At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.

Diversity and inclusion at RSM

At RSM, inclusion and diversity are central to our values. We have an authentic focus on intentional inclusion, enabling our people to feel they can bring their whole self to work and ensuring everyone feels supported, respected and confident to make a valuable contribution.

To find out more, please visit our diversity and inclusion page on our careers website.

Our recruitment process

Please note, for those who perform well throughout our assessment process, should your first preference be unavailable, you could potentially be offered a role in another location or department. This would always be discussed with you in this instance.

RSM will only take one application into consideration per recruitment cycle. We do not accept multiple applications to different vacancies.

At RSM, we don't just look for good exam results. We think passion, personality and originality are just as important.

You will need:

112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification, or 104 UCAS points across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).

Please note, RSM does not accept General Studies, AS levels or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Diversity and Inclusion at RSM
At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client’s needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That’s why we’re working together to ensure our firm’s principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.
At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.