Graduate Programme, Private Client Tax

S&W is hiring a Private Client Tax graduate trainee to support individuals and businesses with tax compliance, financial planning, and tax advisory services while studying toward ATT/CTA professional qualifications.

Job Description

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

Introduction to the Private Client Tax team at S&W

Our Private Client Tax Services team helps individuals from all walks of life with their tax issues.  With over 6,000 private tax clients and 1,500 trusts, our team’s client base is incredibly diverse, including high-net-worth families and individuals, as well as entrepreneurs, business owners and family businesses.

You will be joining a team that supports clients to meet their tax compliance obligations, liaises with HMRC on their behalf and provides advice to assist with their short and long term needs and objectives. This can include preparing their tax returns, repayment claims, computations, accounts, advice and dealing with any correspondence from HMRC.

What will you be doing?

As part of our Private Client Tax team you will combine hands-on practical experience which could be advising on tax efficient strategies or helping clients with financial planning whilst studying.

Progression within this team is fast, with responsibility from an early stage. By the second year, you will be taking on a more senior role with smaller clients and helping to supervise the new intake of trainees. As your experience grows, you may have opportunities to experience other assignments such as control reviews and due diligence projects. 

During your training contract you will study towards the ATT/CTA. You will also achieve the government-recognised Level 7 professional qualification, developing essential soft skills sought out in the professional services sector.

You will begin studying towards your first professional exams soon after joining, instantly developing knowledge that will support your work in the department. Through tuition via an acclaimed provider, and a qualified team with the same experience, you will have the support and resources to study for these exams.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with clients and third parties to obtain necessary information

• Preparation of basic tax returns or repayment claim forms

• Advising clients of their forthcoming tax liabilities and tax matters affecting them

• Assisting in the preparation of tax advice for clients including technical tax research, strategic planning and drafting of reports for clients

• Dealing with correspondence from clients, HMRC and other third parties. This can be via letter, email or telephone.

To be successful in this role, you should:

• Be committed to working towards the Level 4 Associate of Tax Technicians (ATT) and the Chartered Tax Advisor (ATT/CTA) Level 7 professional qualifications

• Have obtained or be predicted a minimum 2:2 degree, in any discipline

• A Level: Minimum 112 UCAS points in top three A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies

• GCSE: Minimum Grade 5 (or equivalent), in English Language and Maths respectively

Learning & Development

You’ll be supported in completing your qualification; gaining the finance knowledge, accountancy skills and real-world business experience to jumpstart your career in accountancy, tax and business advisory. And you won’t do it alone - you’ll be joining as part of a cohort with your own personal support network, including a buddy to offer first-hand experience.

Your qualification training will be supported by a leading UK training provider, and you’ll be given the space and time to study whilst developing a variety of skills to become a well-rounded advisor. You’ll receive guidance and support each step of the way by our dedicated Learning & Development team and training contact for your department to make sure you have everything you need to realise your potential from day one.   

As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include:

• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications

• Competitive salary

• Private medical insurance

• Life assurance

• Pension contribution

• Generous holiday package

• Option to purchase additional holiday

• Cycle to work scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Shared parental leave

• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation.

It is our commitment to provide a workspace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.