RSM UK
Associate Director - Performance Improvement Secondment

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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.
Make an Impact at RSM UK
RSM Corporate Finance is currently seeking dynamic and motivated Assistant Director or Manager to work in the Performance Improvement team.
The secondment would suit candidates within Corporate Finance or related disciplines who are seeking a fresh challenge and an opportunity to broaden their expertise within consulting. Candidates with strong, relevant skill sets will also be considered.
RSM’s Performance Improvement team specialises in helping companies improve profitability, working capital, and cash flow.
Typically clients are underperforming versus best competitors and the assistance involves diagnostic analysis (commercial, operational and financial), planning and implementation. Situations are diverse from Turnaround through to Transaction support.
The team is part of the wider Special Situations Group providing performance improvement, M&A, debt advisory and wind down assistance to clients. There will be opportunity to work in other areas of Special Situations depending upon deal flow.
You’ll make an impact by
- Leading projects with clients and support junior team members
- Coordinating and assist business development, marketing and targeting
- Analysing operational structure, commercial positioning and financial performance to develop cost reduction and profit improvement plans
- Map key processes and develop process improvements to deliver working capital benefits
- Carrying out operational carve out analysis to support the standalone sale of a business unit from a larger corporate
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I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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What we are looking for
Are you someone who thrives on variety, loves learning new things, and enjoys connecting with people? If you can spot inefficiencies in everyday life and are passionate about making improvements, this role is perfect for you!
The role well-suited for candidates with experience in Corporate Finance, M&A advisory, or Restructuring. It may also appeal to professionals with consulting experience looking to develop expertise across Debt Advisory projects.
Essential
- Experience leading and delivering high quality project work within tight deadlines
- Demonstrable commercial business acumen – able to understand and assess performance drivers.
- Excellent report writing / drafting and communication skills, both oral and written
- Ability to influence management
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- ACA qualified
Desirable
- A background in either M&A / transactions or Restructuring or similar.
- Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving abilities
- Financial analysis capabilities


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What we can offer you
We recognise that our people are our most important assets. That’s why we offer a flexible reward and benefits package that will help you have fulfilling experience, both in and out of work
- Study Support
- Hybrid and Flexible working
- 27 Days Holiday with the option of purchasing additional days
- Lifestyle, Health, and Wellbeing including financial wellbeing benefits such as financial tools, electric car scheme and access to a virtual GP.
- Access to a suite of 300+ courses on demand developed by our in-house Talent Development team.
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.
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