Graduate Programme, Business Tax - Southampton (Sept 2026)

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

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Southampton is seeking a Graduate for their Business Tax Programme starting September 2026. This full-time role involves preparing tax computations, assisting with research, and building strong client relationships. Successful candidates will work towards ACA qualification, gaining vital skills and experience in a supportive team environment. The position offers comprehensive training and access to a variety of employee benefits, including private medical insurance and life assurance.

Benefits

Fully funded training towards professional qualifications

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Pension contribution

Generous holiday package

Cycle to work scheme

Season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Committed to obtaining the ACA level 7 professional qualification.
• Be prepared for a rigorous training program and professional exams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tax computations, returns, and supplementary filings.
• Assist with research assignments and draft technical documentation.
• Build relationships with clients and deliver first-class service.
• Support senior colleagues on complex client projects.

Skills

Accountancy skills

Research and drafting

Client relationship building

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline

Minimum 112 UCAS points in top three A Levels

Minimum Grade 5 in English Language and Maths GCSE

Job description

Graduate Programme, Business Tax - Southampton (Sept 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 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.

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‑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 professional 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
• Supporting senior colleagues in driving business development opportunities.
• Provide guidance to interns to encourage their growth and development.

To be successful in this role, you should:

• Be committed to working towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) level 7 professional qualification
• 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 jump‑start 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
• 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.