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.
You will be given responsibility from an early stage in your career. 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, 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 working towards the Associate Tax Technician and Chartered Tax Advisor (ATT/CTA), a level 7 professional qualification
- A Level: Predicted or obtained 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
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION
When you click on the ‘I’m interested’ button you’ll be taken to your profile page. We’re in the process of updating it but in the meantime:
- We can only accept one application to any of our programmes in a recruitment season. If you are unsuccessful, you will need to wait until the next September when we re-open applications for the following year.
- Under the ‘Experience’ section, if you do not have any experience please enter ‘N/A’ into the ‘Title’ text box and choose a random end and start date
- Under the ‘Education’ section you do NOT need to include all your education details as we’ll ask for this separately once you’ve completed your profile. All you need to do is fill in the ‘Institution’ (aka School) question which is mandatory.
- Under the ‘Resume’ (aka CV) section, it is mandatory for you to upload a document, however, it will not be reviewed.
- The ‘Message to Hiring Manager’ text box is NOT mandatory and will not be formally reviewed.