Graduate Programme, Corporate Finance - Cambridge (Sept 2026)

SW Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK accountancy firm in Cambridge is seeking graduates for their Corporate Finance Graduate Programme starting in September 2026. Candidates will assist in M&A transactions, gaining exposure to both sell-side and buy-side mandates. This role offers a path to ACA qualification with full training support. Ideal applicants should be on track for a 2:2 degree or higher and possess solid A Level results. Employees will enjoy generous benefits including medical insurance and fully funded ACA training.

Benefits

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

Qualifications

• Working towards the ACA Level 7 professional qualification.
• 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

• Support live M&A transactions across a range of sectors.
• Develop understanding of clients' industries and business models.
• Assist in preparation of buyer and target lists.
• Help build and review financial models.

Skills

Commitment to ACA qualification

Market research

Financial analysis

Communication

Education

At least a predicted 2:2 degree

Minimum 112 UCAS points

GCSEs: Minimum Grade 5 in English and Maths

Job description

Graduate Programme, Corporate Finance - Cambridge (Sept 2026)

• Intern
• Office Location: Cambridge (Stonecross)

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

Corporate Finance is a key part of the broader Transactions team, which also includes our due diligence, valuations, and modelling colleagues. The team is rapidly growing and now comprises over 40 professionals across our offices in London, Cambridge, Bristol, Newcastle, and Dublin.

Within Corporate Finance, we work closely with entrepreneurial and corporate clients, advising them throughout the lifecycle of their businesses. Our support covers a broad range of strategic transactions, including divestments, fundraisings, acquisitions, growth capital, management buyouts (MBOs), employee ownership trusts (EOTs), and other corporate finance initiatives.

Our client base typically operates in the mid‑market, and we have an established track record of working with international strategic buyers and private equity investors. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial mindset, commercial acumen, and our commitment to building long‑term partnerships based on trust and integrity.

What will you be doing?

We provide independent mid‑market corporate finance advice to a wide range of clients across a variety of sectors. As a graduate, you will gain broad professional experience and in‑depth exposure to a range of transactions, including both sell‑side and buy‑side mandates.

You will play a key role in supporting the execution of transactions and helping clients achieve their strategic objectives, while developing technical, commercial, and business skills to support your long‑term career growth.

As part of our Corporate Finance team, you will assist across multiple live projects at different stages—including pitch preparation, market research and analysis, the production of marketing materials, buyer or target outreach, and due diligence.

Typical tasks may include conducting desktop research, preparing client presentations, supporting financial modelling, overseeing aspects of due diligence, and participating in client calls. You will gain exposure to a diverse range of businesses and industries, building critical experience from the outset.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting live M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including tasks such as market research, financial analysis, and the preparation of marketing materials.
• Developing an understanding of our clients’ industries, business models, and strategic objectives.
• Assisting in the preparation of buyer and target lists using databases and industry intelligence tools.
• Helping to build and review financial models and support the analysis of business plans and valuation metrics.
• Studying toward the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, with full support provided throughout the graduate programme.
• Managing multiple workstreams by prioritising tasks, maintaining clear communication, and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

To be successful in this role, you should:

• Be committed to working towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) Level 7 professional qualification
• 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

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.

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.