Audit Assistant - School / College Leaver - Southampton - September 2026

RSM UK Group LLP; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit firm in Southampton is looking for a motivated Audit Assistant as part of their school leaver program. You will engage in client work quickly, conduct thorough reviews on financial records, and pursue a Chartered Accountant qualification. Passion and effective communication are key for this role. The start date is 22 September 2026, with a supportive environment to jumpstart your career.

Benefits

Chartered Accountant apprenticeship programme

Tailor-made development programme

Lifestyle, health, and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 112 UCAS points required.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews of client financial records.
• Engage in client work and manage individual projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

Minimum 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels

Equivalent Level 3 qualification

Job description

Audit Assistant - School / College Leaver - Southampton - September 2026

Audit Assistant - School / College Leaver - Southampton - September 2026

Make an Impact at RSM UK – External Audit

Envision pursuing a career path where each day presents unique challenges, a chance for growth and is filled with possibilities. Our school leaver programme not only equips you with the necessary skills to thrive but provides the support to unlock a future packed with opportunities and intriguing experiences. You’ll have access to the latest technology to enhance your work - there has never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in audit at RSM. You’ll start studying towards your Chartered Accountant qualification immediately and within the first couple of months you’ll have taken your first exams - But don\'t worry—you won\'t be alone; we’ll be with you every step of the way.

As a member of our audit team, you will conduct a thorough, risk-focused review on a range of client’s financial records, processes, and controls. You\'ll play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, whilst building trust and confidence among stakeholders. You\'ll make an impact by:

• Becoming a key member of our team from day one, you will have the opportunity to engage in client work very 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, through to large listed groups as well as charities, pension schemes and other not-for-profit organisations.

You’ll predominately be office based or at a client site. This gives you the opportunity to build relationships with your colleagues and get the development and support needed in the early stages of your career.

The skills and experiences you gain during your training programme will not only benefit you now but lay the foundation for a successful and rewarding 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 to be considered:
• A minimum of 112 UCAS points across 3 A Levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification or 104 UCAS points across 4 Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are crucial to convey information clearly and concisely for successful collaboration with team members and clients.
• The ability to analyse and interpret data in order to solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, which enable you to build and maintain working relationships with colleagues and clients and remain calm under pressure.
• A genuine interest in business and commerce with the ability to demonstrate a commercial outlook through 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).

The start date for this role is 22 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.

What we can offer you:

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy 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 apprenticeship programme.
• Be enrolled in our tailor-made development programme and have access to an online learning portal where you can enhance your digital and interpersonal skills.
• Have access to lifestyle, health, and wellbeing including financial wellbeing benefits which you can tailor to your requirements.

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

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

School leaver

Permanent

SOUTHAMPTON

Audit

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Working here

Thousands of personalities make up RSM and we believe the power of being you, is the power of being understood. Every member of our team brings unique insights and a passion for the middle market companies we champion.

As one of the world’s largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, we deliver the big ideas and services that help middle market organisations thrive. Our global network spans more than 120 countries, but our passion is always the same: to help our clients move forward with confidence.

At RSM, we care about our people, it’s what shapes us. No two people are the same, which is why our approach is tailored to their specific needs, beyond the nine-to-five.

The UK group of companies and LLPs trading as RSM is a member of the RSM network. RSM is the trading name used by the members of the RSM network. Each member of the RSM network is an independent accounting and consulting firm which practises in its own right. The RSM network is not itself a separate legal entity in any jurisdiction. Read more