12-Month Placement Programme, Audit - Guildford (July 2026)

SW Group; Guildford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Guildford is seeking a penultimate year university student to join their Audit & Assurance team. This role involves client interaction across various industries, performing audit tasks, and developing essential skills in a supportive environment. Applicants should have a predicted 2:2 degree and minimum GCSE Grade 5 in English and Maths.

Qualifications

• Be in your penultimate year of university.
• On course for at least a predicted 2:2 degree in any discipline.
• Minimum Grade 5 in English Language and Maths at GCSE level.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team undertaking audit and accountancy tasks.
• Keep senior stakeholders informed of project updates.
• Prioritise tasks while monitoring time against the budget.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Penultimate year at university

Predicted 2:2 degree

Minimum of 112 UCAS points

Job description

Overview

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 Audit & Assurance team at S&W

Many businesses need to reassure investors and other stakeholders of their financial performance, even where a full audit isn't necessary, appropriate, or required by law. The team you'll be joining provides wide-reaching Audit & Assurance services to a diverse client base. Ranging from small businesses and family enterprise start-ups to non-profit organisations, across a range of industries, both in the UK and internationally.

What will you be doing?

As part of our Audit & Assurance team you will be working directly with client finance teams at varying levels of seniority, from Accounts Assistants to Financial Directors. Your working environment will differ on each engagement, either based at client offices or at an S&W office, working collaboratively to provide assurance, advice and solutions that really make a difference.

Our audits follow a cycle of Planning, Fieldwork and Completion, each phase can last anywhere between one week to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the client. You will quickly gain exposure to a variety of businesses, developing the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective auditor and trusted business adviser.

Your responsibilities

• Working as part of a team to undertake a variety of audit and accountancy tasks
• Developing an understanding of our clients and their business portfolios
• Keeping senior stakeholders informed of project updates
• Becoming familiar with our audit and accounting software
• Resolving queries, whether of an audit or accountancy nature
• Prioritising tasks whilst monitoring time against budget

To be successful in this role

• Be in your penultimate year of university
• On course for at least a predicted 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

We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences are the cornerstone of our success. At S&W, you'll find an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in our active employee resource groups and ongoing initiatives. We're dedicated to creating a workplace where you can thrive and reach your full potential.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the application process. Please don't hesitate to discuss your needs with your recruiter.

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, however, it will not be formally reviewed.
• The 'Message to Hiring Manager' text box is NOT mandatory and will not be formally reviewed.