Smith and Williamson

Smith & Williamson has around 1,500 staff in 10 principal offices across the UK and Ireland. We hold the unique position of combining a firm of chartered accountants, currently ranked the 9th largest accountancy practice in the UK (according to Accountancy magazine, 2011), with an investment management and private banking house.

Add to this a range of financial advisory services and this means a more comprehensive service for our clients – and a greater choice for you.

What makes us different

We are distinctive among the top ten firms for our range of services. Accountancy, corporate advisory, financial services and tax, coupled with a strong investment management arm, means we are large enough to be competitive, but small enough that your hard work and efforts will not go unnoticed.

We put the client first and focus on delivering the right solutions. You will work closely with people in your own department and, in most cases, with individuals in other departments, to provide imaginative yet pragmatic advice and solutions derived from a thorough understanding of our clients’ objectives and needs. You will be learning from talented, experienced individuals and will be able to develop your skills across a diverse client base.

Training and development

We offer a number of entry routes to start your professional training. Trainees joining departments across Tax and Business Services – Assurance and Business Services, Corporate Tax and Private Client Tax Services - will pursue Chartered Accountancy or ATT and CTA qualifications. You will also undertake placements in other departments to enable you to gain a greater insight into our business, increase your commercial knowledge and expand your networks across the firm. Investment management trainees work towards the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and the Masters in Wealth Management (CISI).

Whichever qualification you pursue, we have a strong commitment to supporting you throughout your studies. You will receive ongoing in-house training and regular appraisals, plus we also operate a ‘buddy’/mentoring system.

After qualifying, you will receive ongoing soft skills training. You will also have the opportunity to take up post-qualification professional training. This can involve progression into another business area or an overseas secondment through Nexia International.

Reputation

At Smith & Williamson, our commitment to our clients and staff has struck a chord with the industry. Recent awards include the following:

Financial Times and Investors Chronicle Wealth Management Awards 2011
Winner of Best Balanced Wealth Manager

Private Client Practitioner
Top 25 Accountancy Firms, 2011

STEP Awards 2009/2010 and 2010/11:
Winners of Investment House of the Year - Private Client Awards

LexisNexis Taxation Awards 2010 - Winners
Taxation Awards 2010 - Winners of the Best High Net Worth Team

Investors Chronicle and FT Wealth Management Awards, 2010
Winners of the Best Growth Wealth Manager and the Best Wealth Manager for Inheritance Tax and Succession Planning

LexisNexis Taxation Awards 2010 - Finalists:
Shortlisted for Best Tax Team in a Large Firm

PAM Awards 2009
Winner of Investment Performance - Income

Managing Partners Forum European Practice Management Awards 2008
Winner of the prestigious 'Best Managed Firm' title at the Managing Partners' Forum 2008 European Practice Management Awards