Audit School Leaver - Edinburgh - September 2027

RSM; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Chartered Accountant apprenticeship

Online learning portal

Lifestyle, health & wellbeing benefits

Financial wellbeing support

Job summary

RSM UK – External Audit invites school/college leavers to join our apprenticeship programme in Edinburgh. You will study toward the Chartered Accountant qualification while gaining hands-on audit experience across owner-managed, listed and not-for-profit clients.

You’ll start exams early and receive strong support from mentors on a clear development path, with travel to client sites as needed. This role is aimed at those keen to grow within audit from day one.

Qualifications

• UCAS points requirements for entry (112 across 3 A levels or 104 across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate).
• Right to live and work in the UK for this role.
• Strong written and verbal communication to convey information clearly.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data to solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk-focused audits of clients' financial records, processes and controls.
• Contribute to ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and build stakeholder trust.
• Begin studying towards Chartered Accountant qualification from day one, with exams in early months.
• Collaborate with audit colleagues and clients across a variety of organisations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

UCAS points requirements (112 across 3 A levels or 104 across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers)

Irish Leaving Certificate (higher level)

Right to live and work in the UK

Job description

Make an Impact at RSM UK - External Audit

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.

There has never been a more exciting time to start a career in audit. The world is changing and the way we work is too. Our school/college leaver programme helps you build strong foundations and open a future of opportunity.

You’ll work with audit colleagues to conduct thorough, risk-focused reviews of clients’ financial records, processes, and controls. You'll play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and building trust and confidence among stakeholders.

You’ll start studying towards your Chartered Accountant qualification as soon as you join, and within the first few months you’ll have taken your first exams. Don't worry—you won't be doing it alone; we’ll be with you every step of the way.

You’ll make an impact by:

• Becoming a key member of our team from day one, getting involved in client work 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 to large listed groups as well as charities, pension schemes and other not-for-profit organisations.

You’ll predominantly be office based or at a client site, giving you the chance to build strong relationships with colleagues and get the support you need in the early stages of your 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:

• A minimum of 112 UCAS points across three A levels (or equivalent level 3 qualification), 104 UCAS points across four Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, or an Irish Leaving Certificate (higher level).
• An existing, permanent, right to live and work in the UK for this role.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely with team members and clients.
• The ability to analyse and interpret data to solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, which enable you to build relationships and stay calm under pressure.
• A genuine interest in business and commerce together with strong 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).

Your start date will be 14 September 2027. Start dates are mandatory - the training you receive from day one is designed to give you the best possible start to your career with us.

What we can offer you

You’ll get 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 on our apprenticeship programme.
• Join our tailor-made development programme with access to an online learning portal to build your digital and interpersonal skills.
• Access lifestyle, health, and wellbeing benefits, including financial wellbeing support that you can tailor to your needs.

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.