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

RSM UK; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A global auditing and consulting firm is looking for candidates for their External Audit role in Stoke-on-Trent. This position offers a path to become a Chartered Accountant, with opportunities to engage in meaningful client work from day one. Ideal candidates should have at least 112 UCAS points and strong communication and analytical skills. The role emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work environment and offers a tailored development programme.

Benefits

Tailor-made development programme

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Work towards Chartered Accountant qualification

Qualifications

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points or equivalent.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills needed.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough, risk-focused reviews of financial records.
• Engage in client work quickly as part of a team.
• Work with a variety of clients including charities and businesses.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Interest in business and commerce

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Minimum of 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels

Equivalent level 3 qualification

Job description

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.

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 start studying towards your Chartered Accountant qualification immediately and within the first couple of months you’ll have taken your first exams. 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 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.

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.

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 or 22 September 2026.

What we can offer you:

• 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.

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.