Top 10 firm RSM US announced today the launch of its Industry Eminence Program, designed to give a volunteer class of staff members an in-depth understanding of contemporary business and tech trends to help them better advise their clients on these concepts in the middle market.
Created and led by RSM US chief economist Joe Brusuelas and Kevin Depew, RSM US deputy chief economist, the program first began in May, featuring 11 fellows in its inaugural class. The program looks to give candidates the means to comprehend and communicate a multitude of economic, business and technology trends impacting the firm's clients.
“RSM’s vision is to be the first-choice advisor to middle-market leaders globally,” said RSM US managing partner and CEO Joe Adams, in a statement. “The Eminence Program equips RSM to accelerate our delivery of this vision through an intensive business, economic and technology curriculum focused squarely on the unique needs and trends that impact the industries we serve. Our Eminence fellows will bring new perspectives to help our middle market clients and our firm navigate this era of unprecedented business and technological transformation.”
“We designed the program curriculum to be on par with what top graduate programs are teaching their students about this transformative shift in the economy,” stated Brusuelas. “The difference is we are teaching it in a way that has immediate practical applications for RSM and our middle market clients.”
Depew told Accounting Today that the program is a three-year rotational program taught primarily by himself and Brusuelas. Areas covered include industry analysis, big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The program is open to "experienced managers, senior managers, consulting directors and newer partners/principals" from any line of business at RSM US. Program applications are reviewed by an internal committee, with finalists going on to interview with members of the current inaugural class, the RSM national industry leadership team and program instructors.
"The goal is to train the next generation of audit, tax and consulting professionals to elevate their industry expertise to help navigate the speed and scope of the ongoing digital revolution while providing forward-looking industry insight to internal and external clients," Depew told Accounting Today. "As the digital economy continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to understand the trends that are affecting and reshaping industries. We are working with leading platforms to analyze economic information, and we have also partnered with outside parties to deliver public speaking and executive presentation skills, as well as media training. Finally, fellows are receiving training through some top universities, both online and in person."
Clients will receive this new advice in addition to the regular services provided by RSM US staff.
"This program and the added value to our middle-market clients is complementary in recognition of the rapidly changing industry dynamics that are critical to the success of their businesses," Depew continued. "In today’s world, it’s no longer enough to provide just audit, tax and consulting services without also providing deep industry expertise and an understanding of the business issues that are specific to the middle market."
Graduates of the Eminence Program are also invited to become regular contributors to The Real Economy, RSM’s monthly publication centered on economic issues in the middle market.
Recruiting for the 2019 class begins this month. For more information, head to RSM's
