Entry Level Accounting Associate Jobs in Virginia

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.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of public‑sector operations, internal audit standards, regulatory expectations, and government risk frameworks.
• Manage day‑to‑day client interactions at the process level, building strong working relationships with agency stakeholders and external partners.
• Plan, execute, and document internal audit and internal control testing, including design and operating effectiveness assessments.
• Develop draft audit programs, test plans, and workpapers for senior team review, ensuring alignment with engagement objectives and IA methodology.
• Perform first‑level reviews of staff work to ensure accuracy, completeness, and well‑supported audit conclusions.
• Prepare client‑ready status updates, audit findings, and initial report drafts summarizing risks, control gaps, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, risk advisory, or internal controls, preferably supporting government or public‑sector clients.
• Strong professional writing, spreadsheet, and presentation skills; exposure to data analytics tools is preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed and collaborate effectively in both in‑person and remote environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey audit and control concepts clearly.
• Effective time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple audit workstreams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Public Administration, or a related business discipline.
• Actively pursuing or qualified to pursue a relevant certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CGFM).

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 will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders). If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.

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: $77,700 - $146,900

Individuals selected for this role will be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.