20 RSM Interview Questions and Answers

RSM is a global professional services firm with over 750 offices worldwide. RSM provides audit, tax, and consulting services to middle market companies. RSM is a great place to work, with a focus on professional development and work/life balance.

If you’re interviewing for a job at RSM, you can expect to be asked about your experience working with middle market companies, your audit or tax experience, and your consulting experience. You’ll also be asked about your ability to work in a team environment and your experience with RSM’s audit methodology. Here are some sample RSM interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

RSM Interview Process

The interview process at RSM is very long and difficult. It can take up to six weeks to get an offer, and the interviews are extremely challenging. However, the overall experience is positive and the company is very professional.

What is the hiring process like at RSM?

The hiring process at RSM is very long and difficult. It can take up to six weeks to get an offer, and the interviews are extremely challenging. However, the overall experience is positive and the company is very professional.

1. What is your understanding of the audit process?

The audit process is an important part of the role, so it’s likely that your interviewer will ask you this question. Your answer should show that you understand how to conduct audits and what they entail. You can also use this opportunity to explain any experience you have with auditing.

Example: “I believe that the audit process is a crucial step in ensuring that financial records are accurate and reliable. I always make sure to thoroughly examine all documents and compare them to company policies and procedures. If there are any discrepancies, I report them immediately so we can address them before they become more serious.”

2. Describe a time when you had to work under tight deadlines, how did you manage it?

This question is a great way to assess your time management skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to manage your time effectively and how it helped you meet the deadline successfully.

Example: “In my previous role as an RSM, I had to complete several projects within a short period of time. To ensure that I met all deadlines, I scheduled out my week with specific tasks for each day. This allowed me to stay organized and prioritize which tasks were most important. In addition, I set aside time every morning to plan out my day so that I could stay on track.”

3. Do you have any experience with tax preparation?

This question is a great way to determine if you have any experience with tax preparation. This can be an important part of the job, so it’s helpful for employers to know that you’re familiar with this process. If you don’t have any experience with tax preparation, you can talk about your interest in learning more about it and how you would approach doing taxes.

Example: “I’ve never done tax prep before, but I am very interested in learning more about it. I think it would be beneficial to learn as much as possible about tax prep because it could help me better serve my clients. I’m also excited to learn more about accounting software, which I understand is used during tax season.”

4. How would you approach someone who was not completing their work on time?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and address issues with your team. Your answer should show that you are willing to hold others accountable for their work, while also being empathetic to their situation.

Example: “If someone was not completing their work on time, I would first ask them if they needed any assistance or resources to complete their tasks. If they said no, then I would set up a meeting to discuss the issue further. During this meeting, I would explain why it is important to meet deadlines and give them specific instructions about what I expect from them in terms of timeliness. I would also make sure to praise them when they do well.”

5. Explain what you think an accountant does and why they are necessary.

This question is a great way to see how much an applicant knows about the accounting industry. It also shows you what they think of accountants and their role in business. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain your own experience as an accountant.

Example: “Accountants are necessary because they help businesses keep track of their finances. They make sure that all transactions are recorded correctly and that everything adds up at the end of the day. Accountants are also responsible for filing taxes and making sure companies pay their fair share. I think accountants are important because they ensure that businesses have accurate information on which to base their decisions.”

6. What do you know about RSM?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of their company. It also allows you to show them that you have done some research on the organization and are interested in working there. When preparing for this question, make sure to read up on the company’s mission statement, values and goals. You can even look at their website or social media accounts to get an idea of what they’re all about.

Example: “RSM has been one of the top accounting firms in the country for quite some time now. I know that you guys pride yourselves on providing excellent customer service while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for your employees. I’ve always wanted to work for a company like RSM because it seems like such a fun place to be.”

7. Tell me about a time that you worked in a team environment.

Working in a team environment is an important part of being an RSM. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience working with others and how well you work together as a group. When answering, think about a time when you worked on a project or task with a group of people. Explain what your role was and how it helped the team succeed.

Example: “In my last position, I had to work with a large group of people. We were tasked with creating a new marketing campaign for our company. I volunteered to lead the brainstorming session where we came up with ideas for the campaign. After that, I led a smaller group of people who created a list of all the tasks needed to create the campaign. Then, I assigned each person their tasks so we could get everything done by the deadline.”

8. If hired, how long do you think it will take for you to get up to speed?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of how long they might have to wait before you’re able to contribute at full capacity. Your answer should include your plan for learning and adapting to new processes, as well as any specific goals you may have in mind.

Example: “I think it will take me about three months to fully understand our current systems and procedures. I’m confident that by then, I’ll be able to make informed decisions and recommendations based on my knowledge of the company’s operations.”

9. Have you ever dealt with a difficult client? How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have experience working with challenging clients. Use examples from your previous work to show that you know how to manage difficult situations and use problem-solving skills to find solutions.

Example: “In my last position, I had a client who was very demanding. They would constantly call me asking for updates on our progress and wanted immediate answers to their questions. This made it hard to focus on other tasks because I always felt like I needed to be available to answer their calls or emails. To solve this issue, I scheduled weekly meetings with them so they could ask any questions they had in person. This helped me get back to focusing on my work while still being able to provide excellent customer service.”

10. Why do you want to work at RSM?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about working at RSM and how it fits into your career goals. When preparing for this question, think of specific aspects of the job that appeal to you. Consider mentioning things such as the culture, benefits or opportunities for advancement.

Example: “RSM has an excellent reputation within the accounting community. I’ve always been interested in working for a large firm where I can gain valuable experience. I’m excited to work with a team of professionals who are committed to providing quality service to clients. I also appreciate the flexible scheduling options and health care coverage.”

11. What makes you stand out from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. When answering, it’s important to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention something that is relevant to the job description.

Example: “I have several years of experience in accounting, but I am also highly skilled in data analysis. This skill set allows me to understand financial information quickly and find trends within large amounts of data. In my last role, I was able to use these skills to help my team discover ways we could save money while still maintaining our high level of service.”

12. What do you know about our company’s values?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and how you can fit in. When answering, it’s important to be honest about what you know and highlight any values that you share with the company.

Example: “I’ve done my research on your company, and I’m impressed by its commitment to customer service. In fact, I have always been passionate about providing excellent customer service myself. I believe this value aligns well with my own personal beliefs, which is why I am so excited to meet with you today.”

13. What is your favorite thing about finance?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s interests and passions. It can also help you determine if they are truly passionate about finance or just looking for a job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that relates to your career path.

Example: “My favorite thing about finance is helping people achieve their financial goals. I love being able to work with clients who have different needs and finding solutions that will benefit them. I find it rewarding when I am able to provide advice that helps someone save money or make smart investments.”

14. Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might fit into their organization. If they are looking for someone who works well on a team, they may want to know that you enjoy collaborating with others and sharing your ideas. If they’re looking for someone who prefers working alone, they may want to know that you prefer completing tasks independently.

Example: “I find I am most productive when I work both independently and as part of a team. When I’m working by myself, I can focus more intently on my work and complete it efficiently. However, I also find that I learn new things from my colleagues and develop better solutions when I collaborate with them.”

15. Tell me about a time where you disagreed with something the manager said, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle disagreements with your superiors. It also helps them determine if you’re willing to speak up when you disagree with something and whether or not you’re able to respectfully voice your opinion. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you disagreed with a manager but handled it in a respectful way.

Example: “In my last role as an RSM, I disagreed with one of my managers about our marketing strategy. Instead of just voicing my disagreement, I asked for a private meeting with her so we could discuss my concerns. During our meeting, I explained why I thought our current marketing strategy wasn’t working well enough and offered some suggestions on what I thought would work better. She agreed to try out my suggestions, and after two months, we saw a 10% increase in sales.”

16. Are you comfortable with traveling?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your willingness to travel. If you are applying for an international role, they may ask this question to see if you have any experience traveling internationally. They want to make sure that you can handle the stress of traveling and adapt to different cultures.

Example: “I am very comfortable with traveling. In my previous position, I was required to travel at least once per month. I enjoy exploring new places and meeting new people. I find it helpful to do some research on the area before I arrive so I know what to expect when I get there.”

17. What type of accounting software are you familiar with?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of accounting software and how you use it. You can list the types of software you are familiar with, what they do and which one you prefer.

Example: “I am proficient in using QuickBooks Pro, Sage 50 Accounting and Microsoft Dynamics GP. I find that I like working with Microsoft Dynamics GP because it has a lot of useful features for managing finances and reporting. It also allows me to work remotely, so I can complete tasks from home or on the road.”

18. Give us an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult deadline.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle pressure and stress. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you met a deadline or overcame a challenge that helped your company succeed.

Example: “In my last position as an RSM, I had to meet a tight deadline for filing taxes with the IRS. The company was growing quickly, so we were unsure of what our tax obligations would be. We worked hard to gather all the necessary information before the deadline, but there were still some things we needed to clarify. I called the IRS and explained our situation, and they agreed to give us more time to file our taxes. By working together, we were able to get everything filed on time.”

19. What types of audits have you performed?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with internal and external audits. You can answer by listing the types of audits you’ve performed in previous roles, including which ones were internal or external and what type of information you gathered during each audit.

Example: “In my last role as an RSM, I completed both internal and external audits for our company. Internal audits helped me evaluate our financial records and ensure we had accurate data on all transactions. External audits allowed me to compare our company’s financial statements to those of other companies within our industry. This comparison helped me determine if our company was performing well compared to others.”

20. What skills can you bring to this position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to list your relevant education and work experience as well as any transferable skills you may have.

Example: “I have five years of experience in financial modeling and analysis, which has given me a strong understanding of how businesses operate financially. I also have two years of experience working with clients to develop budgets and forecasts, so I am familiar with the process of helping companies set goals and achieve them. Finally, I have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, which helps me collaborate with my team members.”