Consulting School / College Leaver Programme - Preston - September 2026

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.

You’ve got big ambitions. We’ve got the platform to launch them.

You want variety, challenge and the chance to work with brilliant people doing big things – and to become one of those brilliant people. You want to make an impact, not someday, but right now. Welcome to Consulting at RSM, a career where no two days are the same and you’re right at the heart of the action.

Why Consulting? Because Consulting is everywhere.

From tech to retail, healthcare to energy, consulting reaches every corner of the business world. You’ll contribute from day one, learning by doing and working as part of collaborative, fast-moving multidisciplinary teams working with organisations across industries to solve problems, drive change and create lasting value. Whether it’s transforming operations, improving financial performance, or helping businesses navigate risk, consulting at RSM is where fresh thinking meets real-world impact.

You'll begin your journey in e

ither our Risk Assurance or Finance Function Support team, gaining hands-on experience and building strong foundations.

So, what do these teams actually do?

Risk Assurance is all about helping businesses stay safe and sound. You’ll help spot potential problems before they happen, make sure companies are following the rules and support them in managing risks that could affect their future. Think of it like being a detective, only instead of solving crimes, you’re helping businesses stay one step ahead.

Finance Function Support (FFS) is where business meets numbers. You’ll help clients keep their financial operations running smoothly, from preparing reports to offering advice on financial matters. If you’ve got an eye for detail and enjoy making sense of tricky stuff, this could be your perfect fit.

But your path doesn’t stop there. We offer secondments across our wider consulting teams, giving you exposure to the full spectrum of our work, including business transformation, forensics, deal advisory, restructuring and more.

Whichever team you join, you’ll be part of projects that matter. You’ll contribute ideas, solve problems and help deliver results that clients really value.

Your pathway

You won’t just be learning on the job, you’ll also be working towards your AAT qualification or Business Degree, supported and mentored by our experienced team and with structured training designed to help you grow.

This is what you’ll do:

• Use data and digital tools to solve complex business problems
• Deliver insights that help clients make better decisions
• Develop transferable skills that will serve you throughout your career
• Help shape outcomes that matter to businesses and communities
  
  
  

What We Look For

What matters most is your mindset. You might be a natural problem-solver, an analytical thinker, or someone who sees patterns and inefficiencies others miss. If you're eager to learn, open to new ideas and excited to work in a collaborative environment, you could thrive here.

You don’t need a specific background, just the right mindset:

• You're curious. You question the way things work
• You spot problems - and want to solve them
• You’re a confident communicator, a collaborator and a born learner
• You love tech and aren’t afraid to use it
  
  
  

You’ll need:

• 112 UCAS points from 3 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, or
• 104 UCAS points across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level)
  
  
  

(Please note: we do not accept General Studies, AS Levels or EPQs.)

The start date for this role is on 15 September 2026. Please note, our start dates are mandatory due to the internal and professional training you receive upon joining the firm, to offer you the best start to your career with us.

Why RSM?

We’re one of the UK’s leading professional services firms, and we’re committed to building future leaders. At RSM, you’ll be surrounded by people who want you to succeed - providing support, mentorship and opportunities for you to shine.

We don’t just develop skills. We develop people. And we’re proud to offer a culture where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued and your potential is recognised.

Your story starts here

Join Team Consulting at RSM and launch a career that’s as bold, brilliant and unique as you are.

Make an impact. Be our future.

Following changes to government policy in April 2024, we only accept applications from individuals with an existing, permanent, right to live and work in the UK.

Disclaimer: RSM will only take one application into consideration per recruitment cycle. We do not accept multiple applications to different vacancies.

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.