Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has strengthened its workforce in the North West, taking on a record 129 new students in 2023, a 14% increase from its 2022 intake. The new recruits will be spread across its Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Chester, Stoke and Crewe offices. More than a third of the region’s trainees will be in audit (56), with others spread across the firm’s tax and consulting divisions.
Kevin Duffy, RSM UK’s regional managing partner for the North West, said:
‘It’s an exciting time to be joining RSM, as we are continuously investing in recruiting, developing and training our people to help shape our ambitious growth plans. This year marks our largest cohort of new trainees, and I am delighted to welcome them to the firm. Our focus in the North West remains on strengthening our presence in the region, delivering a premium service to our clients in the middle market and providing young professionals with a supportive framework to learn, gain confidence and thrive in the workplace. I look forward to working with them as they take their first steps on the career ladder at RSM.’
Nationally, RSM has recruited a record high of 769 new students across the UK in 2023, surpassing its previous record intake in 2022 (723) by 6% as the firm continues to invest in its long-term growth plans.
Amongst the new trainees, the leading audit, tax and consulting firm attracted 536 graduates and 99 school leavers*. The lion’s share of trainees will be based outside of London, throughout the firm’s network of 31 offices stretching from Southampton up to Aberdeen.
The firm’s audit practice has recruited the single largest group of trainees – 419 in total. The remaining number of trainees will be spread across tax, corporate finance, risk, restructuring advisory and consulting. The record intake is part of RSM UK’s strategic ambition to strengthen the firm from within its own ranks, and over the long term, to help become first choice advisers to middle market leaders globally.
The new recruits will be supported in studying for their professional ACA, AAT, ATT, ICAS, ACCA, CIA or CTA accountancy qualifications and will also benefit from a comprehensive internal development programme focused on developing a broad range of skills and supporting wellbeing.
Helen Bloodworth, associate director of Early Careers at RSM UK, said:
‘It is very rewarding to know this year is our biggest number of trainees coming on board to help deliver our business ambitions. With a focus on personal and professional development, RSM is a great place to start your career and an exciting environment within which to progress. The latest wave of trainees come from different backgrounds with different experiences and outlooks, and the firm benefits from having a wide and deep pool of people. In return, they will gain a well-structured training path in their early years against a backdrop of working in a supportive and collaborative culture.’
RSM’s emphasis on attracting more who choose a career in professional services straight from school as an alternative to attending university remains a key focus.
The firm offers trainees a range of further opportunities from technical development to participation in charitable activity, and sponsorship of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award.
For further information on the career opportunities on offer at RSM for students and school leavers please visit https://www.rsmuk.com/careers/students.