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This position has closed. RSM US removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 6, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

2027 Elevate Program and 2028 Tax Intern

RSM US · Chicago, IL · $34.00–$40.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Elevate is for students who lead on campus and in their communities. Tell me about something you led and what changed because of it.

What they are checking: Real leadership impact rather than a title, which is what the program screens for.

Why tax, and why RSM's focus on the middle market?

What they are checking: Whether their interest in tax and in middle-market clients is informed and specific.

Tell me about a time you had to balance school, work and other commitments during a busy stretch.

What they are checking: Time management, which matters during busy season as a tax intern.

Tell me about a time you got feedback that was hard to hear. What did you do with it?

What they are checking: Whether they can absorb feedback and change, which a year-long development program depends on.

Describe a group project where communication broke down. How did you help fix it?

What they are checking: Collaboration and communication skills the program says it strengthens.

What does executive presence mean to you at this stage of your career?

What they are checking: Self-awareness about how they come across, which the program aims to build.

What would you do

You meet a partner at the leadership conference. How would you build a relationship that lasts beyond the event?

What they are checking: Professional networking skill, which the program explicitly develops.

You notice a number on a return doesn't match the source document, but your senior is busy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Attention to detail and willingness to raise issues appropriately.

About the work

What's the difference between a deduction and a credit, and why does it matter to a client?

What they are checking: Basic tax knowledge expressed in a way a client would understand.

How do you see technology changing the work of a tax professional?

What they are checking: Awareness of how technology shapes the profession, a skill area the program names.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at RSM US from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by RSM US.

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM. Don’t just go forward. #GrowForwardatRSM Power Your Future: Elevate is RSM's premier early career program, designed for high-performing accounting students who are leaders on their campuses and in their communities, with a passion for learning and growth Through a dynamic three-day leadership conference and year-long development experience, participants will build lasting relationships with RSM professionals and peers from across the country while strengthening critical skills in communication, collaboration, business acumen, executive presence, technology and professional networking. Elevate provides meaningful opportunities to deepen industry knowledge, enhance leadership capabilities and develop the confidence needed to make an immediate impact in your internship and future career. Conference: Participate in a three-day leadership conference in one of RSM’s major office locations from January 5th – 8th, 2027 All travel and expenses for conference participation will be covered by RSM upon admittance into the program. Continued development: After completion of the Elevate conference, you’ll receive an opportunity to participate in continued development experiences designed to accelerate your professional growth through experiences that build the skills, relationships and business acumen needed to succeed at RSM and beyond. • Talent experience – Build meaningful connections with RSM professionals, firm leaders and peers while strengthening your communication, collaboration, networking and professional presence. • Skill development – Enhance critical skills in business acumen, problem-solving, presentation, feedback, time management and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. • Client experience – Develop industry knowledge and gain insight into the middle market through interactive experiences that strengthen relationship-building, communication and collaboration skills. Participants will explore how RSM professionals collaborate to deliver value and help clients address complex business challenges. Program requirements: • Be currently enrolled in an accredited degree program in accounting. • Have an anticipated full-time associate start date of Fall 2029 or Winter 2030. • Have demonstrated involvement and leadership in student organizations on campus and in their community. • Be a team player with strong communication skills who is motivated to work in a fast-paced environment with a desire to be client focused and learn how to provide skilled advisory services • Maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA (preferred) By applying for the Power Your Future: Elevate program, you are also applying for an RSM client service internship. TAX INTERN At RSM, interns work with large and small companies in various industries. They develop strong working relationships with clients built on understanding their businesses and challenges. Interns work on multiple team engagements each year, including several pieces of any particular assignment - not just one part. Working in a mutually respectful team environment helps our associates perform at their best and integrate their career with their personal life. Examples of the candidate’s responsibilities include: • Understanding clients' needs and expectations, their business and industry, accounting and control systems, employees, company values and industry-related GAAP and GAAS issues • Developing an understanding of the RSM audit approach and tools • Assessing risks and evaluating the client's internal control structure • Performing substantive tests and tests of internal controls to identify and resolve accounting or reporting issues • Drafting financial statements under prescribed formats Basic Qualifications: • 90 credit hours completed (at point of internship) • Working towards B.A. / B.S. degree or equivalent from accredited university • Accounting Major • Travel to assigned client locations is required. Must have access to and ability to arrange for use of reliable modes of transportation to those locations If you're looking to challenge yourself, expand your network and take the next step in your professional journey, we encourage you to apply. Elevate is an elective professional development experience designed to help you grow and build your future with RSM prior to your internship experience. Compensation is not provided for participation in Elevate; however, conference-related travel and participation expenses will be covered by RSM. Any compensation associated with your RSM internship will begin only upon commencement of your internship employment with RSM. Participation in Elevate is voluntary, is not a condition of internship employment or internship eligibility and is separate from internship employment with RSM. Elevate is intended to provide leadership development, networking and skill-building opportunities to help prepare you for a successful internship and long-term career with RSM. Participants will not perform client services or other productive work for RSM as part of Elevate. We encourage you to fully engage in the experience, build meaningful connections, and take advantage of each opportunity to learn and grow. Participation in Elevate does not create an employment relationship with RSM prior to the commencement of internship employment. #CampusPrograms At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits . All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com . RSM does not intend to hire entry-level candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future. This includes individuals who will one day request or require RSM to file or complete immigration-related forms or prepare letters on their behalf in order for them to obtain or continue their work authorization. RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information. At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range. Compensation Range: $34 - $40 per hour