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.

VAT technology – Get the career you want at RSM

Our VAT technology school leaver apprenticeship programme will give you all the skills and support you need to unlock a future that’s packed with opportunities and new experiences. You’ll enjoy a fast-tracked business career that recognises your potential and rewards your ambition.

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. You’ll discover a culture that nurtures individuality and an environment where everyone is supported to reach their potential. With us, you’ll always be moving forward.

What does our VAT technology team do?

VAT is a transaction tax that is added to goods or services that are bought and sold. Technology is becoming increasingly important in calculating and reporting VAT, and with HMRC's flagship initiative called “Making Tax Digital”, this trend is only set to continue.

The VAT technology team help businesses to automate and streamline their VAT return processes to help ensure the correct tax determination is made and the right amount of tax is reported at the right time, helping to ensure they meet regulatory reporting requirements. Using data analytics, we are also able to analyse sale and purchase data after any tax has been calculated to help flag potential errors. Calculating the amount of tax due, using the correct rate at the right time and reporting in the right country can be complicated to work out. For larger businesses it can be challenging to get this logic correctly setup in the accounting system(s). There is also often a degree of human involvement. Due to these reasons, there is a significant potential for error.

There is a global push towards tax digitalisation within tax authorities globally, with indirect tax (e.g. VAT) being at the forefront of this digital revolution. The VAT reporting landscape for businesses will look very different in the next 5-10 year period with a significant focus on data quality and an increase in transactional data reporting, and this transition will be challenging for businesses to meet.

The VAT technology team sits within the national VAT team and is also closely aligned with the RSM Technology and Management Consulting team.

What can you expect?

RSM’s school leaver apprenticeship in VAT technology combines specialist knowledge of systems, processes and technology with an in-depth understanding of the activities businesses are performing as part of their VAT compliance and reporting obligations. With us, you’ll be involved in VAT technology engagements from day one, to build the necessary technology and VAT foundations to develop into a trusted VAT technology advisor.

The variety of work we do and the range of clients we work with means you’ll have plenty of opportunity to discover a career path that fits your interests and long-term goals. With our support, you’ll have the space to grow professionally so you can confidently take on ever-more challenging tasks.

When you join this team, you’ll work towards your ATT qualification with the Association of Taxation Technicians. On the technology side, a combination of internal and external training courses will be provided on the various technologies and concepts used by the team, including data analytics, machine learning, data visualisation as well as software and vendor specific training.

As you come towards the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have a deeper understanding of VAT technology. This will be reflected in the complexity of your client portfolio and your responsibilities, including mentoring more junior members of the team.

What we look for

Both tax and IT are technically demanding disciplines, so we look for school leaver apprentices who are always up for a challenge and are quick to grasp new subjects. While you don’t have to be a maths genius, you will need to be comfortable with numbers and logic.

At RSM, you’ll be helping a big range of clients - from smaller owner-managed businesses to FTSE100 multinationals - so it’s important that you’re adaptable. Being able to interpret and analyse large data sets and being resourceful and creative in overcoming challenges and thinking around issues are important attributes. We also look for team players who enjoy interacting with others and are curious about how businesses work.

If that sounds like you, we know you’ll enjoy being part of our team.

Flexible working

At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.

Diversity and inclusion at RSM

At RSM, inclusion and diversity are central to our values. We have an authentic focus on intentional inclusion, enabling our people to feel they can bring their whole self to work and ensuring everyone feels supported, respected and confident to make a valuable contribution.

To find out more, please visit our diversity and inclusion page on our careers website.

Our recruitment process

Please note, for those who perform well throughout our assessment process, should your first preference be unavailable, you could potentially be offered a role in another location or department. This would always be discussed with you in this instance.

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

Entry requirements

At RSM, we don't just look for good exam results. We think passion, personality and originality are just as important.

You will need:

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).

Please note, RSM does not accept General Studies, AS levels or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
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.
At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.