Audit Assistant - School / College Leaver Programme

RSM; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit firm in the UK is seeking applicants for its Chartered Accountant apprenticeship program. You will engage in client work, conduct thorough reviews of financial records, and gain valuable skills through structured training. Candidates should have a minimum of 112 UCAS points and strong communication skills. The role is based in Preston with a start date of 12 January 2026.

Benefits

Tailor-made development programme

Access to online learning portal

Lifestyle and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels or equivalent qualification.
• Effective verbal and written communication is crucial.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data to solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough, risk-focused reviews of financial records.
• Engage in client work and take responsibility for projects quickly.
• Build relationships with clients and colleagues.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Data analysis and interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Interest in business and commerce

Organizational and time management skills

Willingness to travel

Education

Minimum 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels

Equivalent level 3 qualification

Job description

Overview

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 12 January 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.