Consulting School / College Leaver Programme (Finance Function Support) - Lerwick - August 2025

RSM; Lerwick; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a forward-thinking firm that empowers you to build a future while making a significant impact. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in client work early on, supported by interactive training and mentorship. You will be involved in financial analyses, management accounts preparation, and advising clients on financial systems. With a commitment to fostering individuality and a culture of continuous learning, this position is ideal for those who are passionate about finance and eager to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Embrace the chance to thrive in an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.

Benefits

Access to Evolve development programme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Completion of AAT and CA or Chartered Manager Degree is essential.
• Detail-oriented with high-quality work standards.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of consulting solutions and engage in client work.
• Prepare management accounts, financial statements, and VAT returns.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Microsoft Office

Organizational Skills

Detail Orientation

Digital Mindset

Education

112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels

104 UCAS points across 4 Scottish Highers

Job description

As one of the world's largest networks of audit, tax, and consulting firms, RSM delivers innovative ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions — aiming to become the premier adviser to the middle market globally. This vision drives our daily efforts to improve and excel. If you are seeking a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, RSM is the place for you.

Overall Job Purpose:

We act as an extension of our clients’ finance teams, helping them navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape. We provide innovative financial insights and optimize processes to enhance efficiency, drive growth, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Our services include preparing accurate financial statements for UK businesses and those operating across global markets, as well as offering expert guidance on complex accounting issues to help businesses meet industry standards, make informed decisions, and succeed.

Daily Activities in Finance Function Support:

We work with businesses to support their core finance teams through operational support and advisory services. By harnessing technology combined with our human touch, we deliver valuable insights and build strong client relationships. Our goal is to free up management’s time, allowing them to focus on their core business. Our teams serve clients across various sectors, including charities and startups to global market leaders.

Qualifications:

If you join the school leaver programme, you will either study AAT over two years followed by CA over three years, or complete a Chartered Manager Degree over three years. Successful completion of one of these pathways is essential. Full details of our study support will be provided in your contract and exam policies.

Responsibilities:

1. You will be a key team member, with opportunities to engage in client work early on, supporting the delivery of consulting solutions.
2. You will undergo interactive training to prepare for client work, with most learning on the job from team members.
3. You will receive feedback on your work and set goals for future assignments, considering any development points.
4. You may support other team or office activities, such as recruitment or marketing.
5. You will be responsible for completing financial analyses, preparing management accounts and statutory financial statements, VAT returns, bookkeeping, and advising clients on financial systems.

Candidate Profile:

We value passion, personality, and originality. To be considered, your qualifications, skills, and experience should include:

• A minimum of 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels or equivalent, or 104 UCAS points across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).
• An innovative problem solver who enjoys tackling challenges with creative solutions.
• A relationship builder who excels at understanding needs and helping others achieve goals.
• A digital mindset, comfortable with technology and proactive in adopting new tools.
• Detail-oriented with high-quality work standards.
• Organized and efficient, capable of managing multiple projects.
• Lifelong learner enthusiastic about acquiring new skills.
• An effective communicator proficient in written and verbal skills, and Microsoft Office.

What We Offer:

We foster a culture that nurtures individuality and supports everyone’s potential. Our offerings include:

• Access to our Evolve development programme and online learning portal.
• Health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits tailored to your needs.

Note: Due to government policy changes effective April 2024, we only accept applications from individuals with the right to live and work in the UK. The role begins on Monday, 11 August 2025, with mandatory start dates to ensure comprehensive training. RSM considers only one application per recruitment cycle, and multiple applications to different vacancies are not accepted.

Diversity and Inclusion:

At RSM, we aim to create a sense of belonging for all, embracing diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe diverse teams generate broader ideas and insights, strengthening our service to clients and enriching our workplace culture.