Audit Assistant - School / College Leaver - Southampton - September 2026

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.

Make an Impact at RSM UK – External Audit

Envision pursuing a career path where each day presents unique challenges, a chance for growth and is filled with possibilities. Our school leaver programme not only equips you with the necessary skills to thrive but provides the support to unlock a future packed with opportunities and intriguing experiences. You’ll have access to the latest technology to enhance your work – there has never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in audit at RSM. You’ll start studying towards your Chartered Accountant qualification immediately and within the first couple of months you’ll have taken your first exams – But don’t worry—you won’t be alone; we’ll be with you every step of the way. As a member of our audit team, you will conduct a thorough, risk‑focused review on a range of client’s financial records, processes, and controls. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, whilst building trust and confidence among stakeholders.

You’ll make an impact by:

• Becoming a key member of our team from day one, you will have the opportunity to engage in client work very quickly, initially as part of a larger team before taking on individual responsibility for projects.
• Working with a wide variety of clients, ranging from owner managed businesses, through to large listed groups as well as charities, pension schemes and other not‑for‑profit organisations.

You’ll predominately be office based or at a client site. This gives you the opportunity to build relationships with your colleagues and get the development and support needed in the early stages of your career.

The skills and experiences you gain during your training programme will not only benefit you now but lay the foundation for a successful and rewarding career.

What we are looking for:

• We think passion, personality and originality are important to thrive at RSM. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, collaborate, and make an impact, here’s what you’ll need to be considered.
• A minimum of 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).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are crucial to convey information clearly and concisely for successful collaboration with team members and clients.
• The ability to analyse and interpret data in order to solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, which enable you to build and maintain working relationships with colleagues and clients and remain calm under pressure.
• A genuine interest in business and commerce with the ability to demonstrate a commercial outlook through organisational and time management skills.
• A willingness to travel to client sites and other offices as required.

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

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

The start date for this role is 22 September 2026. Please note, our start dates are mandatory due to the internal and professional training you receive upon joining the firm, to offer you the best start to your career with us.

What we can offer you:

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. With us, you’ll

• Work towards becoming a Chartered Accountant apprenticeship programme.
• Be enrolled in our tailor‑made development programme and have access to an online learning portal where you can enhance your digital and interpersonal skills.
• Have access to lifestyle, health, and wellbeing including financial wellbeing benefits which you can tailor to your requirements.

Following changes to government policy in April 2024, we can only accept applications from individuals with an existing, permanent, right to live and work in the UK for this role.

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

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.