About Michael Oates

Michael Oates is an Audit Partner and financial services specialist with over 13 years of experience supporting a range of regulated companies in the financial services industry, including private equity-backed and privately owned businesses. In the regulated space, Michael works primarily with insurance intermediaries, wealth, investment and asset managers (and their associated funds), and more recently, debt management firms. In addition to statutory audits, Michael’s work in the regulated space sees him sign off on CASS 5, CASS 6/7 and CASS 11 engagements.

Michael’s wider portfolio includes clients in the consumer market and manufacturing industries.

While Michael is predominantly based in the North West, his industry specialism sees him supporting clients across the country, with his portfolio currently stretching from London to Edinburgh. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and is also a mentor for the ICAS Foundation. Michael also represents RSM on the ICAEW’s CASS 5 working party alongside a peer group from across the profession.

“People, not the numbers, are the highlight of my job. Being a Partner is as much about building strong relationships with clients, potential new clients and the wider RSM team as it is technical skill. Put the two together and it is rewarding knowing you are able to make a difference and inspire someone to put their confidence in you. I am also passionate about the development of our people and striving to be a role model to those around me. It is the people at RSM that made me join the firm…twice!”

Outside of work, Michael enjoys walking breaks in the Lake District, overseas travel and keeping active – if only to feel less guilty about an equal love of socialising with friends and family with good food and drink. He also volunteers as a Governor and chairs the audit committee at an OFSTED Outstanding graded sixth form college.

RSM timeline:

• 2024: promoted to Partner
• 2022: promoted to Director
• 2021: promoted to Associate Director (RI)
• 2019: promoted to Senior Manager
• 2016: promoted to Manager
• 2012: joined RSM as a Trainee and Audit Assistant

Press and media highlights:

• ICAS Top 100 Young CAs 2020 - Celebrating 100