Culture, diversity and inclusion

African American and Canadian Excellence employee network group

Supporting our African American and Black professionals

Our African American and Canadian Excellence (AACE) employee network group (ENG) focuses on furthering RSM’s business, diversity and inclusion objectives by actively supporting the recruitment, development and retention of talented Black and African American professionals and other minorities. It helps raise diversity awareness and inclusiveness among leaders and colleagues.

RSM is a top sponsor of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and its annual convention. We send a team of RSM ambassadors to the event for networking, education and recruiting. AACE members also have access to a firm-paid membership to NABA.

Through local, regional and national NABA events, AACE members have the opportunity to network, collaborate with colleagues in the profession and foster relationships that provide opportunities for business development and career growth.

Watch the highlights from RSM's participation in the 2022 NABA convention:

Resources for racial understanding and inclusion

We’re committed to doing our part to advance racial understanding and inclusion across the firm and within our communities. To support our activities, we are sharing our internal resources for the benefit of our clients and others who want to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable future.

Donnovan Maginley Making a Difference Award

About the award

This award was established in memory of our friend and a partner in RSM’s government assurance practice, Donnovan Maginley. Donnovan passed away unexpectedly in November 2018 and the award remains a way to honour his passion for pursuing excellence, focusing on his clients and team, and being a valued first-choice advisor. It also exemplifies AACE's mission of furthering RSM's business, diversity and inclusion objectives by actively supporting the recruitment, development and retention of talented Black professionals and other minorities.

2023 winner: Kimberly Thomas

Kimberly Thomas is a manager in the tax controversy services group of our Washington National Tax practice. She served as a Fort Lauderdale AACE local leader for a year and now resides in Washington, D.C., where she continues to be involved in many AACE programs. She currently serves as an interview committee member and mentor for the RSM Excellence Academy and has been part of historically black college and university (HBCU) recruiting efforts at Grambling State University. She is also a member of the AACE emerging leaders steering committee—a program designed for high-performing senior associates and supervisors who are part of AACE to develop their leadership skills, build their confidence and grow their circle of influence as they grow in their career.

Kimberly also hosts an accountability program for AACE members and other employees who are struggling with the certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA) exams and she has created an inclusive group and safe space for professionals from various lines of business across the firm to share their struggles with the exam and provide one another with encouragement. The group meets weekly throughout the year. Aside from contributing to the firm’s inclusive culture, one of her main goals is to increase the number of Black CPAs from where it currently resides at 2%.

Kimberly S. Thomas’ motto has always been, “Where the S is for Success.” Kimberly strives to be the best she can be so she can accomplish success in all her endeavours and commitments. “I strive for excellence no matter the obstacle because I truly believe that nothing is impossible without a little grit, skill and creativity,” said Kimberly.

In addition to receiving a $5,000 award to pursue her personal and professional excellence, Kimberly designated Horton’s Kids as the charity to receive a $2,500 donation from the RSM US Foundation. Horton’s Kids empowers children in D.C.’s under-resourced communities so that they graduate from high school ready for success in college, career and life.

This award means so much to me because I had the opportunity to share my passion project with the committee. I host an accountability program for people struggling with the CPA and EA exams. I believe that with consistency and confidence, anyone can pass these exams.
Kimberly Thomas, Tax Manager, Washington, D.C. office

Environmental, social and governance

We strive to be the middle market leader in sustainable business practices that drive positive futures for our clients, colleagues, communities and firm.

A culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

Thousands of personalities make up RSM. Every member of our team brings unique insights and a passion for serving our middle market clients. Our inclusive workplace celebrates differences while enabling our people to take ownership of their work and personal lives.

Inclusion Starts with I: AACE

In our “Inclusion Starts with I” video series, our then-Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams hosted candid conversations with members of our employee network groups. In this video, he talks with the national leader and other members of the AACE group.

National ENG Leader

Life at RSM

There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

Our people are empowered to make an impact, to own their career, and to achieve their personal and professional aspirations.  We celebrate the differences among our talented employees.

When we bring those unique talents and perspectives together, it strengthens our teams and enhances the unique insights we provide our clients.