• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Thursday November 10 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Audit and tax firm RSM Bristol takes on a record 51 trainees

RSM Bristol has taken on a record 51 new trainees in 2022, a 50 per cent increase from 34 in 2021.

Nationally, the leading audit, tax and consulting firm recruited a record high of 723 new students across the UK in 2022, comfortably surpassing its previous record intake in 2021 by 20 per cent as the firm continues to invest in its long-term growth plans.

These trainees will be spread across all service lines including accounting and business advisory, audit, corporate finance, outsourcing, tax, restructuring and risk advisory.

The firm’s trainee recruitment policy bucks the national trend: according to RSM UK’s latest Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), the quarterly index and survey of approximately 700 senior executives, businesses are dialling down their hiring needs across the UK with just 33 per cent of middle market firms recruiting more staff, down from 41 per cent in Q2, and 52 per cent in Q1.

RSM has also recently undertaken 40 promotions to director in its continued bid to strengthen the firm from within its own ranks, including Hannah Moran in accounting and financial reporting in the Bristol office.

Kate Reid, office managing partner, RSM Bristol, said: ‘Recruiting our largest cohort of new trainees in Bristol demonstrates our continuous investment in people to help us achieve our long-term growth ambitions.

“As they take their first step on the career ladder, these fledgling trainees are essential to our sustainable growth programme. I have first-hand experience that the firm will provide a rewarding career and they will get to work with talented teams across a wide range of sectors and service lines.

“This is also evidenced by the strong retention of people studying for their professional qualifications in Bristol over the years. Despite the tough economic challenges ahead, with challenges come opportunities which I know our new trainees will embrace and learn from to flourish in their careers.’

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 programme focused on developing a broad range of skills and supporting wellbeing.

Victoria Kirkhope, people partner at RSM UK, said: ‘It is hugely rewarding to know this year we have our highest 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 diverse pool of people. In return, they will gain a well-structured training path in their early years, working in a supportive and collaborative culture.’

The number of school leavers joining the firm in the last two years has increased by 65 per cent, demonstrating RSM’s focus on attracting more who choose a career in professional services straight from school as an alternative to attending university.

RSM UK offers trainees a range of further opportunities, from technical development to participation in charitable activity, and sponsorship of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award.