12-Month Placement Programme, Private Client Tax - Southampton (July 2026)

SW Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm is offering a 12-month placement programme in Private Client Tax based in Southampton. This internship will provide valuable experience working within a professional environment while assisting clients with their tax obligations. Candidates should be in their penultimate year of university with a predicted 2:2 degree or higher, alongside required A Level qualifications. The firm values diverse perspectives and is committed to inclusion, making it a supportive place to learn and grow.

Qualifications

• Be in your penultimate year of university.
• On course for at least a predicted 2:2 degree in any discipline.
• Minimum 112 UCAS points in top three A Levels, excluding General Studies.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with clients and third parties to obtain necessary information.
• Preparation of basic tax returns or repayment claim forms.
• Assisting in the preparation of tax advice for clients.

Skills

Client liaising

Tax preparation

Technical tax research

Education

Predicted 2:2 degree or higher

Minimum 112 UCAS points

Minimum Grade 5 in English Language and Maths

Job description

12-Month Placement Programme, Private Client Tax - Southampton (July 2026)

• Full-time
• Office Location: Southampton

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?

The Private Client Tax internship will enable you to increase your understanding of working within a professional organisation and gain valuable experience of the type of work that our graduates carry out on a day-to-day basis; you could be attending meetings with partners or assisting with research projects. There will be a wide variety of work for you to do, and an opportunity for you to be a real part of the team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with clients and third parties to obtain necessary information
• Preparation of basic tax returns or repayment claim forms
• 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 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.