Tax Assistant - Graduate - Edinburgh - September 2026

RSM UK; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tax consultancy firm in Edinburgh seeks candidates for its Tax Graduate Programme, offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth. You'll work in various tax areas and directly with clients to help optimize their tax strategies. Applicants should possess a strong academic background, excellent communication skills, and a passion for taxation. The role begins on September 15, 2026, and includes study support for professional qualifications.

Benefits

Mentoring and career development support

Internal development courses

Access to lifestyle, health, and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels or equivalent.
• Willingness to travel to client sites and offices as needed.
• RSM does not accept General Studies, AS levels, or EPQ.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating across the business and engaging directly with clients.
• Learning to be responsive and meet deadlines.
• Handling more complex client portfolios as you progress.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Team-oriented mindset

Interest in taxation

Curiosity about business and finance

Education

Honours degree or predicted honours degree

112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels

104 UCAS points across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

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 — with a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision motivates and inspires us to improve 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 - Tax

Envision pursuing a career path where each day presents a unique challenge, a chance for growth, and new possibilities. Our tax graduate programme is your gateway to a future filled with opportunities and experiences.

A career in tax is more than just becoming a tax adviser; you’ll be part of Team Tax, diving into the intricate world of tax laws, both in the UK and internationally. You will apply these laws into real-life solutions for our clients, helping them save money, mitigate tax risks, navigate reporting requirements, and create value.

Every day, you’ll work with a team of experienced professionals who understand the balance of exam training and work. They will support you to deliver your best.

You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with clients. For individuals, you’ll explore their financial world and understand how family wealth is built, nurtured, and passed down. For companies, you’ll learn how to maximize post-tax profits, manage tax risks, harness incentives to reduce liabilities, expand globally, or plan tax-efficient exits. Each interaction allows you to make a real impact, especially as AI advances increase the importance of your role.

Our specialist areas within Team Tax include VAT/Indirect Tax, Employer Solutions, Private Client Services, Corporate Tax, Innovation and Creative Sector Reliefs, Transfer Pricing, Capital Allowances, and Tax Investigations.

Whatever your chosen area, you’ll make an impact by:

• Collaborating across the business and engaging directly with clients

While developing your skills, knowledge, and capabilities, you will learn to be responsive, meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and uphold high standards to exceed expectations.

As you progress, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your area of tax, handling more complex client portfolios and responsibilities. You may also mentor junior team members, helping the next generation grow.

What we're looking for:

At RSM, we value passion, personality, and originality, not just exam results.

To be considered, you should have:

• A team-oriented mindset, curiosity about business and finance, and interest in taxation and wealth management
• Determination to overcome challenges and commit to passing your exams to become a business adviser
• Excellent communication skills
• Comfort with numbers, analytical skills, and an interest in law
• 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, plus an obtained or predicted honours degree
• Willingness to travel to client sites and offices as needed

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

The start date for this role is 15 September 2026. Our start dates are mandatory due to training requirements, ensuring a strong start to your career.

What we can offer you:

Joining Team Tax means on-the-job learning combined with structured training and working with an impressive client list. Our culture nurtures individuality and supports your growth.

• Studying towards ACA, ATT, ADIT, and/or CTA qualifications. The exams are challenging, but rewarding.
• Mentoring and a culture focused on your growth and future at RSM.
• Internal development courses to build your professional and personal skills.
• Access to lifestyle, health, and wellbeing benefits tailored to your needs.

Learn more about our career pathways within our employability hub.

Following policy changes in April 2024, applications are only accepted from individuals with the right to live and work in the UK.

Note: RSM considers only one application per recruitment cycle and does not accept multiple applications for different roles.

Diversity and Inclusion at RSM

We aim to create a culture where everyone feels they can bring their true self to work. Our diverse teams bring broader perspectives, helping us better understand our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values differences and promotes belonging.