By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
Audit graduate · ACA, or the ICAS CA in Scotland · September 2027
No closing date · 22 offices listed on 15 Oct 2026This year’s audit ads have closedClosing date set · see your adMissed it? Your options
Short answer: Apply now. RSM gives no closing date and says some roles “may close earlier than advertised”. On 15 October 2026, RSM listed ads for all 22 audit offices.This year’s audit graduate ads have closed. On 15 October 2026, RSM listed ads for all 22 audit offices.RSM has set a closing date, so check your office’s ad. RSM says some roles “may close earlier than advertised”. You get one application per cycle. Then come an untimed online assessment, a job simulation with video questions, a half-day virtual assessment centre and an in-person final interview at your office. RSM does not publish the salary.
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with RSM.
RSM UK’s Audit Graduate Programme trains you towards chartered accountancy. The intake starts on 14 September 2027, in 22 offices.The intake started on 14 September 2027, in 22 offices.
This playbook walks every stage in RSM’s own words. For nearly 10 years, we’ve helped more than 5,000 professionals get hired. Want to know if your CV will pass screening in the UK? Check your CV for free: a score in 30 seconds, then a fix for each problem.
01/10
Your route to an offer
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. Rules and stages are RSM’s, checked 15 October 2026. Prep times are ours.
1. Apply: no closing date1. Apply: closed for this intake1. Apply: closing date on your ad
One application per cycle, for one office. Prep 1 to 2 days.
2. Online stages: about 60, then 45 minutes
An online assessment, then a job simulation. Seven days for each.
3. Assessment centre: half a day, online
Exercises with other candidates. Prep about 1 week.
4. Final interview: in person, at your office
An interview with a senior member of the audit team. Prep 1 to 2 weeks.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/10
The programme at a glance
A September intake, a funded chartered qualification and 22 offices. Where RSM is silent, we say so.
22 listed
Audit offices on 15 Oct 2026
No close
No closing date in any ad
Closed
This year’s audit ads
Set
Closing date, see your ad
14 Sep 2027
Start date; RSM says mandatory
ACA or CA
Studies funded in full
Not published
Salary: no figure in any ad
112 UCAS
Or 104 from Highers, plus a degree
Where these facts come from
- Salary. None of the 22 audit ads gives a figure. RSM’s graduates page says only “Earn a salary”. Compare salaries in the UK.
- Qualification. RSM’s audit page names ICAEW, ICAS and CAI (Ireland). In Scotland, see ICAS. RSM says “We fund your studies in full”, with first exams “within the first few months”.
- Start. RSM’s ads said: “Your start date will be 14 September 2027. Start dates are mandatory”. When we checked on 15 October 2026, RSM listed no January 2027 audit graduate ad.When we checked on 15 October 2026, RSM listed no January 2027 audit graduate ad.RSM now lists a January 2027 audit graduate ad too.
- The work. “You’ll predominately be office based or at a client site”. Clients run from “owner managed businesses, through to large listed groups”.
03/10
What RSM looks for
Every audit ad lists the same five needs. RSM adds: “We think passion, personality and originality are important to thrive at RSM.”
Clear communication
“to convey complex information clearly and concisely with team members and clients”
Data and problems
“The ability to analyse and interpret data to solve problems.”
People skills
“build relationships and stay calm under pressure”
Interest in business
“together with strong organisational and time management skills”
Willing to travel
“to client sites and other offices as required”
From every audit ad, such as Preston.
RSM’s Preparation Zone names ten skills it looks for “across our assessment process”: works responsibly, written communication, prioritisation, data analysis, motivation, resilience, social adaptability, growth, collaboration and flexibility.
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Apply now: no ad gives a closing date. RSM says some roles “may close earlier than advertised if we receive high volumes of applications. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.”This year’s audit ads have closed. RSM says some roles “may close earlier than advertised if we receive high volumes of applications.” So next cycle, apply early.Apply before the closing date on your ad. RSM says some roles “may close earlier than advertised if we receive high volumes of applications. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.”
1
Pick one office
One application per cycle
2
Use a personal email
Not your university one
3
Fill the form
Who you are and why RSM
4
Flag adjustments
On the form itself
The one-application rule, entry grades and support
- One application. Every ad says “Please note we can only consider one application per person per recruitment cycle.”
- Grades. 112 UCAS points across three A levels, or 104 across four Scottish Highers or an Irish Leaving Certificate, achieved or predicted. Plus “An obtained/predicted honours degree.” “RSM doesn’t accept General Studies, AS levels or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).”
- Adjustments. “please indicate this on your application form so we can support you appropriately” (RSM’s process page).
- AI. AI “should not be used to exaggerate, misrepresent, or invent skills, qualifications, or experience.”
The 22 audit ads: pick one office
Each office has its own ad. Pick the one you want most, as you get one application.
| Office | Ad | Asks for permanent right to work |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen (ICAS) | Ad | Yes |
| Birmingham | Ad | Yes |
| Bristol | Ad | Yes |
| Bromley | Ad | Yes |
| Cambridge | Ad | Yes |
| Chelmsford | Ad | Yes |
| Edinburgh (ICAS) | Ad | Yes |
| Gatwick | Ad | Yes |
| Glasgow (ICAS) | Ad | Yes |
| Guildford | Ad | Yes |
| Hull | Ad | Yes |
| Leeds | Ad | Yes |
| Leicester | Ad | Yes |
| Liverpool | Ad | Yes |
| London | Ad | No |
| Manchester | Ad | Yes |
| Newcastle | Ad | Yes |
| Nottingham | Ad | Yes |
| Preston | Ad | Yes |
| Reading | Ad | Yes |
| Southampton | Ad | Yes |
| Stoke | Ad | Yes |
All 22 were listed on RSM’s site on 15 October 2026, with no closing date. ICAS for the Scottish offices is our reading. When we checked on 15 October 2026, RSM listed no audit graduate ad for Belfast or Milton Keynes.When we checked on 15 October 2026, RSM listed no audit graduate ad for Belfast or Milton Keynes.RSM has since listed more audit offices, so check its job search.
Your form and CV: do and don’t
Do
“I chose Hull because I want to audit the kind of family-run firms I worked with on my placement”
RSM asks why RSM, why audit and why that office. Tie each to something real.
Don’t
“I am passionate about joining a leading professional services firm”
It could fit any firm. RSM also says “all content you submit must be your own”.
RSM does not publish its form questions, word limits or whether it asks for a CV. Our CV achievement examples show how to give each role a result. Getting ready to apply for jobs in the UK? Check your CV for free: see it the way a recruiter does, then fix each problem.
Save RSM UK and over 2,000 other UK schemes to one free calendar. See what closes next and what you have applied to.
Track my schemes freeFree account, no card.
Your office not listed, or not selected? Your options
- Another office. Only if you have not applied this cycle, as RSM considers one application per person per cycle.
- Tax. A different programme. On 15 October 2026, RSM listed it in 20 offices. It leads towards “ACA, ATT, ADIT and/or CTA” (tax page).
- Technology Audit and Tax Digital. Different programmes. Technology Audit leads towards CISA. On 15 October 2026, RSM listed it in London and Birmingham (London ad), and Tax Digital in Birmingham (ad).
- On a placement degree? On 15 October 2026, RSM listed Audit Placements in 18 offices. “Perform well, and there could be a place for you on one of our graduate training programmes” (placements page).
- Tax, Technology Audit and placements. RSM’s ads for these have closed.
- Internships. RSM runs a “six to eight-week paid internship” for penultimate-year students. RSM listed none on 15 October 2026.RSM listed none on 15 October 2026.RSM now lists internships on its placements page.
- Next cycle. RSM does not publish when its next ads open.RSM does not publish when its next ads open.RSM has announced when its next ads open, so check its job search.RSM’s next ads are open, so check its job search. “Join our early careers talent community” on its early careers page for job alerts.
05/10Stage 2 · Online stages
The online assessment and job simulation
Two online stages come first, with seven days for each. RSM’s practice hub is powered by Cappfinity.
The online assessment: three short modules
First, “a scenario-based strengths assessment”. It “includes a numerical reasoning component and an assessment of your AI literacy”. It is untimed but “typically takes around 60 minutes”.
Culture and values
“Insightful resources and questions” on RSM’s culture, values and client work.
Numerical reasoning
“analyse, interpret and draw conclusions from realistic workplace data”
AI literacy
“An assessment of your AI literacy and your motivation for working with AI.”
Strengths questions
Work scenarios. You then get “a personalised strengths feedback report”.
RSM says “we recommend completing it in one sitting”. It publishes no question count or calculator rule.
The job simulation: video and ranking questions
Next, a job simulation “tailored to the role you’ve applied for”. It “combines video interview questions with written ranking-response exercises” and typically takes about 45 minutes.
Video questions
“The assessment is not timed, but there are time limits on the video questions for preparation and response.”
Ranking exercises
Written work scenarios where you rank possible responses.
“All video interview submissions are reviewed manually by our Early Careers Talent Acquisition team. We do not use AI tools to assess or score candidates at this stage of the process.” Afterwards you get “a reflection report”.
Step through the screens
Numerical: Cappfinity’s practice version
Cappfinity’s public practice version. RSM confirms only a numerical reasoning part, and RSM’s online assessment is untimed.
Read the instructions
The test opens with instructions. In the practice version the clock counts the time you take rather than counting down, and speed counts towards your score. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Rank the options
Work out the answer from a table, then drag the options into order. A Time Taken clock runs at the top.
Type the answer
Some questions have no options. Work out the figure from the chart and type it into the answer box.
Your moves
- Practise percentages and ratios from tables and charts. RSM’s version is untimed, so check your working.
Video questions: the likely look, not confirmed for RSM
How Cappfinity video questions look. RSM shows no screens of its own.
Test your camera
Before the questions you record a short test clip, play it back and accept it. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Read the question
The question appears with a short preparation countdown. Use the time to plan, then press Record Now.
Record your answer
A second timer shows how long you have to answer. Press Finish Recording when you are done.
Your moves
- Use the preparation time to plan two or three points. People at RSM watch every answer.
Our own simplified drawings of Cappfinity’s practice screens, not screenshots. RSM sets its own version, so your screens may differ. We do not draw the strengths, ranking, culture or AI literacy questions.
The rules: do and don’t
Do
- Finish each stage within seven days
- Use the latest Google Chrome, pop-up blockers off
- Answer in your own words
Don’t
- Use AI during any assessment
- Get help from anyone else
From RSM’s process page: “AI must not be used during any online or in-person assessment.”
Time, adjustments and practice
- Untimed. The online assessments “are untimed, so there is no need to request additional time at this stage.”
- Extra time. If you flagged adjustments on your form, “an additional 25% extra time will be automatically applied” to the job simulation.
- General tips. See our guide on how to succeed on a psychometric test.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 15 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From RSM
- RSM’s assessment stages, step by stepRSM · read stages 2 and 3 · no account neededRSM’s own words on both online stages, with seven days for each, plus its AI rules.Free
- RSM’s Candidate Preparation ZoneRSM, powered by Cappfinity · free account, made with the email you applied withRSM’s own practice: behavioural, video and number questions, plus the ten skills it looks for.Free
Practise
- Try Cappfinity’s numerical demoCappfinity, the company behind RSM’s practice hub · no account neededSee how a Cappfinity number question works. RSM sets its own questions, and its online assessment is untimed.Free
Watch
- RSM’s early careers team on the video questionstargetjobs webinar on YouTube · Nov 2025, for last year’s intake · starts at 49:00You get a few minutes to prepare, then you record. People at RSM watch every answer. Practise on your phone.Free
Skip paid RSM or Cappfinity test packs. RSM’s own practice is free and built to match its tests, and RSM says no AI during any assessment.
Next: see how other employers use numerical and judgement tests in our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
06/10Stage 3 · Assessment centre
The virtual assessment centre
Next is a half-day virtual assessment centre, with other candidates. RSM says it is “where we’ll see how you think, collaborate, and approach different challenges”.
Half a day
Online, on the TopScore platform
24 hours
Before it, your schedule link arrives
Laptop
Chrome, plus pen and paper
Use a laptop: RSM says “tablets or iPads will limit your ability to fully participate”. A senior member of the business area opens the day.
The exercises: a combination of five
RSM says “you can expect to complete a combination of the following exercises”. It does not say which ones Audit uses, or how long each takes.
Skills-based interview
“exploring your motivations, how you work, and your past experiences and achievements”
Group task
“Work with other candidates to discuss a business scenario and reach a shared recommendation”
Written exercise
“analyse information and communicate clearly in a structured, professional written response”
Planning exercise
“Review and plan how you will respond to a series of workplace responsibilities.”
Q&A
A chance to “ask questions about working here, the role and opportunities”.
How to answer: one story, four steps
RSM publishes no answer method. This frame is ours.
The moment
Where and when, in one line.
Your aim
What you set out to do, and why it was hard.
What you did
Your own steps, not the team’s.
What changed
The result, with a number if you can.
Follow-ups to rehearse
Why RSM?Why audit?Why this office?What would you do differently?
See our guide on how to pass a job interview, then rehearse the toughest interview questions. RSM says “avoid relying on scripted or AI-generated answers during the interview itself.”
Practise: one question at a time
RSM’s skills
Our own prompts, built on RSM’s ten skills. RSM publishes no questions.
Works responsibly
Tell me about a time you owned a task from start to finish.
What they’re testing: someone who “Takes ownership of tasks and puts extra effort into their work”.
Show a strong answer
- The task, what made it yours, the extra step you took and the result.
Data analysis
Tell me about a time numbers changed your mind.
What they’re testing: “The ability to analyse and interpret data to solve problems.”
Show a strong answer
- The data, what you checked, what you expected and what you found.
Resilience
Tell me about a time you stayed calm when things went wrong.
What they’re testing: resilience, and the ads’ call to “stay calm under pressure”.
Show a strong answer
- The problem, how you kept steady, your next step and the result.
Prioritisation
Tell me about a time you had several deadlines at once.
What they’re testing: prioritisation, and the ads’ “strong organisational and time management skills”.
Show a strong answer
- The tasks, how you ranked them, what you let wait and the result.
Final interview
Our own prompts from RSM’s final-stage advice. The ethics card is what coaches say, not RSM.
Motivation
Why RSM, why audit, and why this office?
What they’re testing: RSM asks you to “explain why you chose RSM, the business area you have applied to, and the specific office location”.
Show a strong answer
- One real reason for each of the three, linked to something you have done.
Commercial awareness
What news story could affect an RSM audit client this year?
What they’re testing: “commercial acumen and your understanding of current affairs”.
Show a strong answer
- One story, one type of client, and what it could mean for their accounts.
Ethics
A colleague changes a figure to meet a deadline. What do you do?
What they’re testing: integrity under pressure.
Show a strong answer
- Coaches say “escalate that to your manager immediately”, then “document everything”.
About you
Tell me about yourself.
What they’re testing: RSM expects “broader questions designed to help us get to know you”.
Show a strong answer
- Where you are now, one thing that shows your “passion, personality and originality”, and why it leads you to RSM.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two stories for each of RSM’s ten skills.
| Skill | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Works responsibly | ||
| Written communication | ||
| Prioritisation | ||
| Data analysis | ||
| Motivation | ||
| Resilience | ||
| Social adaptability | ||
| Growth | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Flexibility |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 15 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From RSM
- A Newcastle audit graduate on the job and the processRSM careers blog · one graduate’s account · 2025Sean joined from a placement. He says the interviews test how you come across, not your accounting knowledge.Free
Watch
- Two RSM students walk through the processRSM UK on YouTube · Sep 2024 · 3 min · two intakes agoFrom the form to a final interview with a manager, director or partner. Some details have changed since.Free
- 13 common Big 4 interview questions, from an audit managerJag Dhaliwal ACA on YouTube · Oct 2025 · 30 minCoaches say: escalate and document on ethics questions.Free
From ICAEW
- ICAEW Code of EthicsICAEW · updated Jul 2026 · no account neededThe five principles auditors work by. Useful for ethics questions.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Final
The final interview and your offer
The last stage is an in-person interview, in the office you applied to join. RSM says “Depending on the role, there may be additional exercises included on the day.”
At your office
“The final stage of the assessment process will take place in the office you have applied to join”.
Your interview
With “a senior member of the team from your chosen business area”. “Expect a mix of skills-based questions and broader questions”.
Meet the team
“the opportunity to meet some of our current trainees and enjoy a tour of the office.”
Travel support
“Travel expenses of up to £100 can be reimbursed for your final stage assessment.”
The outcome
RSM’s team will “let you know the outcome”. “There will also be the opportunity to receive feedback following the final stage.”
Ask for adjustments “at least 48 hours before” (RSM’s process page). RSM does not publish the interview’s length or the time to an outcome.
Offer and conduct rules: RSM, ICAEW and ICAS
- ICAEW’s rule, not RSM’s. When you apply for membership, the person responsible for your training “will need to confirm that you are a fit and proper person to be admitted”. Matters include “a criminal record” and “a history of bankruptcy or an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA)” (ICAEW).
- ICAS’s rule, not RSM’s. “ICAS General Regulation 2.2 requires all criminal charges and convictions to be reported to us without delay”, and “the same obligations apply to CA student members” (ICAS).
Key dates: September 2027 intake
15 Oct 2026
All 22 offices listed, with no closing date
15 Oct 2026
All 22 offices listed, with no closing date
14 Sep 2027
Your start date, which RSM says is mandatory
14 Sep 2027
Your start date, which RSM says is mandatory
First months
Your first exams
08/10
Visa sponsorship
Our reading: London’s ad is the only audit ad that does not ask for an existing, permanent right to live and work in the UK. So if you need a visa, ask RSM before you apply.
The other 21 ads say “An existing, permanent, right to live and work in the UK for this role.” RSM’s FAQ, checked 15 October 2026, says “Sponsorship is only available for certain early careers roles in select office locations, due to minimum salary requirements set by the Home Office.”
RSM’s visa rules and the Graduate visa
- RSM on the Graduate visa. “Where a Graduate visa can be independently obtained, we may be able to support sponsorship after the first 18 months of the training contract.”
- Graduate visa length. It lasts “2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026” and “18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027” (GOV.UK).
- Other offices. “We cannot proceed with applications where your right to work in the UK does not have a route to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) without sponsorship, in locations not listed as eligible on our job adverts.”
- Right to work. “Proof of right to work will be required as part of standard onboarding.” See how to prove your right to work.
Need sponsorship? See our guides to UK companies that sponsor visas and staying in the UK after studying. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
09/10
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- No ad gives a closing date, and some roles may close early. Apply now.
- This year’s audit ads have closed. Next cycle, apply early, as some roles close early.
- Apply before the closing date on your ad. Some roles may close earlier.
- You get one application per cycle, for one of 22 offices.
- RSM does not publish the salary.
- Both online stages take about an hour or less. You get seven days for each.
- RSM’s free practice hub is powered by Cappfinity. Sign up with your application email.
- The final interview is in person, at your office.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save RSM UK once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
Is the RSM audit graduate programme open now?
Yes. On 15 October 2026, RSM listed ads for all 22 audit offices. No ad gives a closing date. RSM says some roles may close earlier than advertised, so apply soon.No. This year’s audit graduate ads have closed. RSM says some roles close early, so next cycle, apply as soon as the ads open.Yes, until the closing date on your office’s ad. RSM says some roles may close earlier than advertised, so apply soon.
How much does the RSM audit graduate programme pay?
RSM does not publish the salary. None of the 22 audit ads gives a figure, and RSM’s graduates page says only that you earn a salary. Checked 15 October 2026.
What is the RSM online assessment?
A scenario-based strengths assessment with a numerical reasoning part and an AI literacy part. It is untimed and typically takes about 60 minutes. You have seven days to finish it, and RSM suggests one sitting.
What is the RSM job simulation?
It mixes video interview questions with written ranking exercises, tailored to your role. It takes about 45 minutes, within seven days. People at RSM review every video answer, not AI.
Can I apply to more than one RSM office?
No. RSM can only consider one application per person per recruitment cycle. Pick the office you want most. At the final stage, RSM asks you to explain why you chose that office.
What grades do I need for RSM audit?
112 UCAS points from three A levels, or 104 from four Scottish Highers or the Irish Leaving Certificate. You also need an honours degree, achieved or predicted. RSM says most of its roles are open whatever you studied.
Does RSM sponsor visas for audit graduates?
Our reading: London’s ad is the only audit ad that does not ask for a permanent right to live and work in the UK. RSM says sponsorship is only for certain roles in select offices. If you need a visa, ask RSM before you apply.
