RSM Consulting: Firm Profile, Careers, and Interview Insights

IRSM Consulting is one of the world’s leading networks for audit, tax, and consulting services offering professionals the chance to work on impactful business challenges while building long-term careers. Known for its collaborative culture and strong client relationships, RSM combines the scale of a global firm with the personal feel of a mid-tier consultancy. Whether you’re exploring RSM careers or curious about what RSM does in consulting, understanding its structure, culture, and opportunities can help you make an informed choice.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

RSM Consulting is a global professional services network offering audit, tax, and consulting solutions that help organizations improve performance, manage risk, and drive sustainable growth.

• RSM operates in over 120 countries with 48,000 professionals delivering integrated consulting, audit, and tax services to mid-market and enterprise clients.
• The firm’s consulting practice covers strategy, financial advisory, technology transformation, risk, and transaction advisory services.
• RSM careers emphasize mentorship, rapid advancement, and flexible learning through the firm’s 70-20-10 development model.
• RSM internships offer hands-on client experience, structured mentorship, and strong conversion rates to full-time consulting roles.
• Employees benefit from competitive compensation, global exposure, and a collaborative culture focused on diversity, integrity, and professional growth.

What Does RSM Consulting Do?

RSM Consulting is a global professional services network providing consulting, audit, and tax solutions to middle-market and large organizations. The firm helps clients improve performance, manage risk, and drive growth through financial, technology, and strategy advisory. As a mid-tier alternative to the Big 4, RSM Consulting combines global scale with personalized service.

RSM operates as a unified network of independent member firms under RSM International, headquartered in London. Collectively, it serves clients across more than 120 countries with over 48,000 professionals. While each member firm maintains local ownership, they share common methodologies, quality standards, and technology platforms to deliver consistent global service.

The RSM Consulting division focuses on business and technology transformation. It partners with organizations to improve operations, manage change, and enable digital innovation. Within consulting, RSM’s core areas include:

• Strategy and management consulting
• Financial and risk advisory
• Technology and digital transformation
• Transaction advisory services

These services are supported by RSM’s audit and tax practices, which ensure financial integrity and compliance across industries such as financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

Unlike the Big 4, RSM positions itself as a trusted advisor to middle-market clients seeking both strategic insight and practical implementation support. This allows consultants to work directly with senior decision-makers while maintaining the flexibility and close relationships often missing at larger firms.

RSM’s integrated structure enables teams across consulting, audit, and tax to collaborate seamlessly, ensuring that clients receive holistic business solutions. Whether helping a private company prepare for expansion or guiding a global enterprise through transformation, RSM Consulting emphasizes collaboration, industry expertise, and measurable results.

RSM History and Global Network

RSM’s history dates back to 1964, when it was founded as a global association of independent accounting and advisory firms. Today, RSM International connects over 120 countries and 800 offices worldwide, making it one of the largest global networks providing audit, tax, and consulting services to mid-market and enterprise clients.

RSM’s story begins with a simple idea: bringing together trusted local firms to create a unified, global advisory network. Established in 1964, the organization grew steadily through strategic alliances and rebranding efforts, officially adopting the name RSM International in 1993 to reflect its expanding global identity.

The network operates under a federated model. This means that while each RSM member firm is independently owned and managed, all adhere to shared quality standards, methodologies, and client service principles. This structure allows RSM to balance global expertise with local insight a combination that has driven its success across industries.

Key leadership figures have played an important role in shaping RSM’s modern identity. Under the leadership of Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, the network has focused on consistent client service, cross-border collaboration, and digital transformation.

Global Snapshot:

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Employees: 48,000+ professionals
• Offices: 800+ across 120+ countries
• Annual revenue: Over $6 billion

RSM’s largest member firms include RSM US (formerly McGladrey) and RSM UK (formerly Baker Tilly LLP). These entities contribute a significant share of the network’s total revenue, particularly through consulting and technology advisory services.

By maintaining consistent global standards while empowering regional autonomy, RSM has become a trusted partner for clients navigating complex business environments. Its worldwide network gives consultants opportunities to collaborate across markets, industries, and service lines creating a dynamic and globally connected career experience.

RSM Consulting Services and Practice Areas

RSM Consulting provides clients with strategic, financial, and technology advisory services designed to drive growth, manage risk, and improve performance. The firm’s consulting practice complements its audit and tax divisions, offering an integrated approach that helps organizations solve complex business challenges efficiently.

RSM structures its consulting services into several core areas:

• Strategy and Management Consulting: Helps companies define business goals, improve operations, and execute strategic transformations.
• Financial Consulting: Supports clients with performance improvement, restructuring, and transaction advisory, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Risk Consulting: Focuses on governance, internal audit, cybersecurity, and compliance to strengthen organizational resilience.
• Technology Consulting: Guides digital transformation through cloud adoption, ERP implementation, data analytics, and automation.
• Transaction Advisory Services: Advises businesses on valuation, due diligence, and integration during mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures.

RSM’s consulting teams work closely with clients across industries such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and consumer products. This cross-industry experience enables RSM to bring practical solutions grounded in real market challenges.

The firm differentiates itself through its mid-market focus, offering the expertise of a large global organization while maintaining the personalized attention of a smaller advisory team. RSM consultants often collaborate directly with client executives, giving them visibility and leadership opportunities early in their careers.

By combining strategic insight, financial acumen, and technical expertise, RSM Consulting delivers end-to-end solutions that help clients adapt to market change and achieve sustainable growth.

RSM Careers and Growth Opportunities

RSM careers offer professionals diverse paths across consulting, audit, tax, and internal services. The firm emphasizes mentorship, leadership development, and flexible career design, allowing employees to explore different business areas while building specialized expertise.

RSM follows a people-first philosophy, focusing on professional development through its 70-20-10 model:

• 70% learning through client work
• 20% through collaboration and mentorship
• 10% through formal training programs

The firm’s career paths include roles in consulting, audit, and tax, with clear promotion timelines and performance-based advancement. Consultants often start as Associates and progress to Senior Associate, Manager, and eventually Partner or Principal. Each level includes leadership coaching and technical skill-building to prepare professionals for increasing responsibility.

RSM’s work environment encourages autonomy and client ownership early in one’s career. Employees gain exposure to senior leaders and strategic decision-making, helping them develop faster than in many large organizations.

RSM Internship and Early Talent Programs

RSM internship programs give students early exposure to consulting, audit, and tax projects. Interns experience real client work, mentorship, and structured training that prepare them for full-time careers at RSM.

Each internship typically includes four core pillars:

• Orientation: A comprehensive introduction to RSM’s values, culture, and service approach.
• Hands-on Client Work: Interns contribute to live projects in consulting, financial advisory, and technology.
• Professional Events: Networking sessions, social gatherings, and learning workshops.
   
   
• Mentorship: Each intern is paired with a professional mentor for guidance and performance evaluation.

RSM recruits interns who are 12 to 18 months from graduation, but the firm also offers externship programs for earlier students. These experiences help candidates understand RSM’s culture and often lead to return offers for full-time positions.

RSM Office Locations and Global Presence

RSM operates more than 800 offices across 120 countries, reflecting its global scale and reach. The network connects regional expertise with international collaboration, ensuring consistent service delivery worldwide.

RSM’s offices are divided into two main regions:

• United States: Over 80 offices in 32 states, including major hubs such as New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and San Francisco.
• International: Offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

This global structure enables RSM teams to collaborate across borders and share insights from different markets. For consultants, the international presence provides opportunities for cross-border projects, secondments, and global client exposure.

RSM Culture, Values, and Diversity Initiatives

RSM culture emphasizes inclusion, collaboration, and integrity. The firm’s values respect, teamwork, excellence, and stewardship guide how teams operate and serve clients.

RSM promotes work-life balance through flexible work options and a supportive environment. Employees are encouraged to pursue both professional and personal growth, supported by resources such as wellness programs and mental health initiatives.

Diversity and inclusion are central to RSM’s mission. The firm supports employee networks such as:

• African American and Canadian Excellence
• Pride (LGBTQ+ community)
• InspirAsian
• STAR (Women’s leadership initiative)
• Family First

These groups foster belonging and provide mentoring opportunities across the firm. RSM’s culture of transparency and ethical leadership helps sustain a positive, people-oriented workplace.

RSM Benefits, Compensation, and Salary Structure

RSM offers competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain top talent. Compensation varies by role, office location, and performance but remains aligned with leading consulting and accounting firms.

Average RSM salaries (US-based):

• Associate: $70,000 to $80,000
• Senior Associate: $85,000 to $100,000
• Manager: $115,000 to $135,000
• Senior Manager: $140,000 to $160,000

In addition to salary, RSM provides:

• 401(k) retirement plans with company match
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Professional development stipends
• Recognition through the “Accolades” peer rewards program

These benefits reflect RSM’s people-first approach and reinforce its commitment to both financial and personal well-being.

RSM Career Path and Exit Opportunities

RSM offers a clearly defined consulting career path designed to reward performance and professional growth. Advancement depends on client impact, leadership, and technical proficiency rather than rigid timelines.

Typical consulting progression:

• Associate (2 years)
• Senior Associate (2 years)
• Supervisor (2 to 3 years)
• Manager (2 to 3 years)
• Senior Manager (3 to 4 years)
• Director (3 to 4 years)
• Partner or Principal

Consultants gain broad exposure to clients, industries, and service lines, developing versatile skills that open doors beyond the firm. RSM career paths often lead to roles in corporate strategy, finance, or entrepreneurship. Many professionals also pursue MBA programs, leveraging RSM’s reputation for analytical and leadership training.

RSM Interview Process and Hiring Insights

RSM’s interview process assesses both technical skill and cultural fit. Candidates typically go through a resume screening, one or two virtual interviews, and final in-person rounds with team leaders.

The process may include behavioral and light case-based questions to evaluate analytical thinking and communication skills. Interviewers focus on understanding candidates’ motivations and alignment with RSM’s core values of teamwork and integrity.

Common RSM interview tips:

• Review your resume thoroughly and prepare to discuss project experience
• Practice explaining business concepts simply and logically
• Learn about RSM’s services and client industries
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

Candidates should also prepare to discuss how they handle challenges, manage priorities, and contribute to team success. The firm values authenticity and problem-solving ability as much as technical accuracy.

Key Takeaways: Why Work at RSM Consulting

RSM Consulting stands out for its collaborative culture, global reach, and mid-market focus. The firm provides diverse career opportunities, strong professional development, and a people-oriented environment that encourages growth and flexibility.

Working at RSM means joining a network that values integrity, continuous learning, and teamwork. Employees gain international exposure, meaningful client work, and long-term career potential while contributing to projects that create tangible business results.

For aspiring consultants, RSM offers an ideal balance between large-firm sophistication and small-firm collaboration a combination that makes it one of the most respected consulting networks in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does RSM do in consulting?
A: RSM Consulting provides strategic, financial, and technology advisory services that help mid-market and enterprise clients improve performance, manage risk, and drive sustainable growth.

Q: Is RSM a good company to work for?
A: Yes, RSM is considered a good company to work for due to its collaborative culture, professional growth opportunities, and strong focus on employee development and work-life balance.

Q: Is RSM part of the Big 4?
A: No, RSM is not part of the Big 4. It is a leading mid-tier consulting and accounting network recognized globally for serving middle-market clients.

Q: What is the highest salary at RSM?
A: The highest salary at RSM typically belongs to Partners or Principals, who can earn over $300,000 annually depending on experience, performance, and office location.

Q: How does RSM differ from other consulting firms?
A: RSM differs from other consulting firms by combining global reach with a mid-market focus, offering personalized client service and earlier leadership opportunities for consultants.