What's Happening?
RSM US LLP, a Chicago-headquartered accounting partnership, is offering an Elevate early career program combined with a Tax Internship. This program is designed for accounting students and includes a three-day leadership conference scheduled for January
2027. Participants will have the opportunity to build relationships with firm leaders and peers, while also enhancing their communication, collaboration, and professional presence skills. Following the conference, interns will engage in ongoing development experiences. The internship component involves working with various companies to support their tax and accounting needs, including assessing risks, evaluating internal control structures, performing substantive tests, identifying and resolving accounting issues, and drafting financial statements. The firm, founded in 1926, employs over 10,000 people and provides audit, tax, and consulting services to middle market clients across diverse sectors such as financial services, real estate, private equity, and industrial products. RSM US LLP operates in the United States and Canada, with a broader international presence in 120 countries.
Why It's Important?
This initiative by RSM US LLP is significant for the U.S. accounting and finance industry as it addresses the critical need for developing future talent. By combining a leadership development program with a practical tax internship, RSM is investing in the professional growth of accounting students, preparing them for the complexities of the middle market sector. This program helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, ensuring that new professionals are equipped with both technical skills and essential soft skills like communication and collaboration. For students, it offers a structured pathway into a leading firm, providing invaluable experience and networking opportunities. For RSM, it serves as a pipeline for recruiting and retaining high-caliber talent, which is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in providing audit, tax, and consulting services to its extensive client base. The focus on middle market clients also highlights the importance of specialized expertise in this segment of the U.S. economy.
What's Next?
Accounting students currently enrolled in an accredited accounting degree program, who will have completed 90 credit hours by the start of the internship, are encouraged to apply for the Elevate Program and Tax Internship. Successful applicants will participate in the three-day leadership conference in January 2027, followed by ongoing development experiences and client service work. The program requires demonstrated leadership and involvement in student organizations, with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.4. Interns should also be prepared for potential travel to client locations. This program is a key component of RSM's strategy to cultivate future leaders and ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals capable of serving the evolving needs of middle market companies in the U.S. and beyond. The firm will continue to integrate such development programs to attract and nurture talent in a competitive professional services landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The Elevate Program and Tax Internship offered by RSM US LLP reflects a broader trend in the professional services industry to proactively engage with and develop talent at an early stage. This approach goes beyond traditional internships by incorporating leadership training, which is vital for fostering well-rounded professionals. The emphasis on communication, collaboration, and professional presence underscores the evolving demands of the accounting and consulting fields, where technical expertise must be complemented by strong interpersonal skills. This model also highlights the strategic importance of talent development for large firms like RSM, as it helps them maintain a robust workforce capable of adapting to changing economic conditions, new accounting policies, and evolving tax regulations. Such programs contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the U.S. professional services sector by ensuring a continuous influx of highly skilled and ethically grounded professionals.
