Graduate Programme, Business Tax - Tunbridge Wells (December 2025)

Company 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.

Job Description

Introduction to the Business Tax team at S&W

Our Business Tax team provides tax advisory and compliance services to a wide range of clients, from large multinational groups to owner-managed businesses, covering all relevant taxes, including Corporation Tax, International Tax, Indirect Tax, and Employment Tax. Your role will be in any one of these teams, with the opportunity to undertake secondments to others throughout your programme.

What will you be doing?

Across your 3-year training contract, you can expect to learn the skills needed to support our clients with navigating an increasingly complex tax landscape through the delivery of a wide range of tax advisory and compliance related services. You will learn how various domestic and international tax rules apply to our clients, and how we can provide innovative, tailored solutions to support them with managing their tax obligations.

You will work closely with existing client teams, including Partners and Directors, to manage the day to day delivery of our services, thus enabling you to develop a deep understanding of clients’ businesses and a range of professional and transferable skills from an early stage in your career.

Tax is a dynamic, complex industry, underpinned by intricate legislation that is regularly updated. On-the-job training, via both in-person training sessions and a variety of courses on our online training portal, combined with support from the wider team will provide you with the tools to develop your understanding of this constantly changing industry.

In addition to your client work, you will study towards the ACA qualification. This is an advanced programme that will provide you with the opportunity to develop both your business and technical skills. You will also achieve the government-recognised Level 7 Apprenticeship 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:

• Preparation of tax computations, returns and supplementary filings, as well as client communications and deliverables
• Assisting with research assignments and drafting technical documentation
• Supporting members of the team on more complex client projects and advisory engagements
• Building relationships with your own clients
• Building relationships with colleagues both within Tax and across the wider business
• Delivering first class client service and working effectively as part of a team
• Maintaining and developing vital soft skills

To be successful in this role, you should:

• Be committed to completing the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, on a Level 7 apprenticeship
• 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
• Eye care support
• Shared parental leave

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.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.

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 University) question which is mandatory. If you have more than one degree please include your latest one.
• Under the ‘Resume’ (aka CV) section, it is mandatory for you to upload a document as this will be reviewed by the hiring manager.
• The ‘Message to Hiring Manager’ text box is NOT mandatory and will not be formally reviewed.