Smith & Williamson : Employer profile

Company profile

Ambitious, forward thinking and friendly, Smith & Williamson is an award-winning accountancy and investment management firm. As such, we are distinctive in the market for our broad range of services and strong client relationships.

Our scope and expertise allows us to deliver bespoke investment management, financial advisory and accountancy solutions that make a real difference to private individuals, professional practices, mid- to large corporations and non-profit organisations.

And as the eighth largest accountancy firm in the UK, we’re large enough to be competitive, but small enough to develop relationships with our clients, and our people, that allow us to deliver tailored solutions and build strong careers - and sets us apart in the market.

Developing new talent across the firm is key for us to remain competitive and move our business forward. We recruit graduates, school leavers and interns each year, across our 11 UK offices, in areas including Assurance & Business Services, Corporate Tax, Investment Management and Private Client Tax.

Our size means we are able to offer the opportunities and experience our trainees are looking for. You’ll be given responsibility and challenging client-facing work at an early stage, across a diverse range of sectors, and structured training toward professional qualifications. And all within a supportive, open and friendly working environment that is as down-to-earth as it is dynamic.

Opportunities
At Smith & Williamson we are committed to finding the right people to join us, and working with them to develop their careers in today’s competitive business market.

We offer a number of entry routes to start your professional training, including graduate trainee, school leaver and summer internships in Assurance & Business Services, Corporate Tax and Private Client Tax Services, and graduate trainee roles in Investment Management.

Trainees joining departments across Tax & Business Services will pursue Chartered Accountancy, ATT and/or CTA qualifications. Investment Management trainees work towards the Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) and the CISI Masters in Wealth Management.

Whichever qualification you pursue, you'll benefit from our strong commitment to supporting you throughout your studies. We offer ongoing in-house training and regular appraisals, as well as a ‘buddy’/mentoring system to answer your questions and help with your career development.

Beyond qualifications we look to develop knowledgeable, confident and trusted business advisers, so you’ll be doing real work, on real accounts with real responsibility from an early stage.

You’ll also undertake placements in other areas of Smith & Williamson to give you a greater insight into our business, increase your commercial knowledge and expand your networks across the firm.

After qualifying, you’ll receive ongoing soft skills training. You’ll also have the opportunity to take up post-qualification professional training, which could involve moving into another business area or perhaps an overseas secondment through our partnership with worldwide accounting and consulting network, Nexia International.

What we look for
Graduate trainee roles in Investment Management require a minimum B grade in GCSE Maths and English Language, 320 UCAS points in your top three A-levels (excluding General Studies) and a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree.

Graduate trainee roles and summer internships in Assurance & Business Services, Corporate Tax and Private Client Tax Services require a minimum B grade in GCSE Maths and English Language, 300 UCAS points in your top three A-levels (excluding General Studies) and a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree.

School leaver/apprentice roles in Assurance & Business Services, Corporate Tax and Private Client Tax Services require a minimum B grade in GCSE Maths and English Language and 280 UCAS points in your top three A-levels (excluding General Studies).

Applications from all degree disciplines are accepted.

However, joining us is not just about the academic qualifications. We know you’re bright, but we’re looking for something extra: the difference that you can make to our team.

We’re looking for people who are able to work both independently as well as being strong team players with the ability to work effectively with others, both from their own and other departments within the firm. This means that you can get to the heart of our clients’ needs and provide tailored and effective solutions.

You’ll have a genuine interest in business and be committed to and enjoy meeting challenges, both those of our client business and your own career development.

In return, we’ll provide all the support and experience you need to help you grow into a trusted business adviser. For us that means exemplary client service, so you’ll be keen and able to learn from experts in their fields, and develop your own skills across a diverse client base.

Smith & Williamson LLP
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International
Smith & Williamson Investment Management Limited

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

The Financial Services Authority does not regulate all of the services referred to here.