All of the below information comes directly from job reviews written by Smith & Williamson employees based on 14 reviews.
 
 
Responsibility:
3.4/5
 
Work Life Balance:
3.8/5
 
Environmental Awareness:
4/5
 
Benefits:
2.1/5
 
Company Culture:
3.8/5
 
Career Progression:
3.4/5
 
Colleagues:
4.1/5
 
Training:
3.5/5
 
Enjoyment:
3.9/5
 
Overall Rating:
2.8/5
 

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Salary Interview Tips Working Hours Best & Worst
Industry: Accountancy & Insurance Department: Assurance and Business Services Job Title: Trainee Chartered Accountant

What are the best and worst things about your job?

Amazing colleagues
Good work/life balance
More opportunity to have responsibility

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What are the best and worst things about your job?

Creating structures for clients.

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What are the best and worst things about your job?

People, clients are interesting, good overtime pay

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What are the best and worst things about your job?

Real world application of market trends paired with a client facing role.

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Experiencing lots of different industries, broadening knowledge

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What are the best and worst things about your job?

Can learn a lot on the job and have support from other team members.

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What are the best and worst things about your job?

High level of responsibility given early on. Challenging/interesting work.

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Industry: Accountancy & Insurance Department: ABS

What are the best and worst things about your job?

Work life balance.

Read more


Industry: Accountancy & Insurance Department: ABS

What are the best and worst things about your job?

The work environment is friendly and the management is approachable, the work is challenging but it is set in a way that you can understand, and the career prospects are good.

Read more


Industry: Accountancy & Insurance Department: Assurance & Business Services

What are the best and worst things about your job?

The people who work for the company and the training provided.

Read more


Industry: Accountancy & Insurance Department: Audit

What are the best and worst things about your job?

Fairly varied portfolio of clients

Read more


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Industry: Accountancy & Insurance, Accountancy

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Smith & Williamson

Average start time: 9:00

Average end time: 17:30

Average number of working hours: 8.5

Based on 112 reviews


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Please use the below to filter the reviews by career sector:

Application Advice:

Make sure you have a sound understanding of all of the businesses in the company

Interview Advice:

One competency based interview, the other more of a chat

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Do your research and speak to some trainees in the department you want to work in.

Interview Advice:

Get up to date on recent legislation and work out why you want to work for S&W over other companies and why you would be a good fit?

Tax Trainee, BTAX at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Think carefully about your thoughts on the macro and the micro economy, as you'll need to display knowledge of both.

Interview Advice:

Be honest and approachable. These skills are far more valuable than excessive knowledge of markets.

Assistant Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Do your research, not only on the department you have applied to but on other departments. Focus on experiences that have enhanced your interpersonal skills and times you have demonstrated integrity/ strong moral compass.

Interview Advice:

Come prepared. Know the company and the role inside out. Develop commercial awareness via wider reading. Most importantly, be yourself, this is a client facing role so partners will want to see that you are personable. Just being smart isn't enough.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research what the job entails

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and business services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research into the company before hand and be familiar with what roles you may need to take on for the job.

Interview Advice:

Research as commercial awareness will be assessed.

Tax trainee, Business Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Take time to answer all application questions thoroughly as they will read your answers. Do lots of research about the role/department you apply for to make sure you know what to expect and decide for yourself why you want to be in this role. Also, do lots of research into the company's values and culture and make sure you're happy to work in that environment.

Interview Advice:

Be yourself in the interview and be honest about your career aspirations. Ask questions about the role and the department you are applying for - show an interest.

Trainee Chartered Accountant – Audit, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Do your research and fully understand who we are and why you want to work for us. We have a unique offering in the market, so you want to make sure we are what you are looking for.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Try and stand out with extra-curricular activities; if you show an interest in business/finance as well then that will help for the business focussed roles such as audit like me.

Interview Advice:

Be confident and do your homework! It's good to be prepared and find out what you can about us before turning up.

Senior, ABS at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Show awareness through keeping up to date with financial and political news as this affects tax legislation and the work.

Interview Advice:

Make sure you can answer
- why Smith and Williamson?
- why the specific department?

Tax Trainee, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Take your time, think about everything you've done in work, education and beyond and show how it has given you skills which will be useful in the job. Practice the online tests as much as you can, you'll find similar questions coming up time and time again. At the assessment day we had to do them again on paper so it was important to really know what you were doing.

Interview Advice:

However hard it may be, try to relax! By the time you get to the interview they have seen plenty about you to decide if they might want you or not. Now is the time for you and them to find out more about each other, the work you might be doing and the ways you're likely to approach it. Research not only the company but also the office and the interviewers, as all partners and offices have specialities and it comes across well if you can talk about these.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Asurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research the company thoroughly on all departments that they have, not just the one you are applying for.

Interview Advice:

Prepare general competency questions, why you want to work there etc.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Apply early, make sure there are no errors or lies in the application, and 'big yourself up' - because no one else is going to.

Interview Advice:

Be confident, speak clearly and at a good tempo. Take a moment to consider your answer before blurting it out. A little bit of silence isn't a bad thing and is much better than just speaking for the sake of filling the silence whilst you think (more slowly) of what you really want to say. Taking a moment shows composure and an ability to function better under pressure - which is a key skill to demonstrate when going for any job.

Semi-Senior, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Know all the different aspects of the company including the wider groups such as accounting and tax even if you are applying to the investment sector. Don't be over powering at the assessment centre but still speak up and have an input.

Be yourself and you should be okay.

Interview Advice:

Know about but more importantly have an opinion on the market. Having a broad macro idea about the world is a good starting point but also be prepared to talk about specific companies that you like and would potentially think about buying if you were an investment manager.

Also have some discussion about what you get up to in your free time and at uni. It is good if you have some experience of running a group at uni/ any sort of leadership experience.

Trainee Investment Manager, Private Client Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Awareness of the firm's values and what makes it different to competitors.

Interview Advice:

Examples of team-work.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Always explain how any examples you give have changed your approach or how you have overcome obstacles and how this affects your actions in the future.

Interview Advice:

Research the specific office you are joining, not just the company. Different offices specialise in different kinds of clients so show that you have done the research. When asking questions use "We" rather than "you" or "I" as it subconsciously makes the interviewers think you already have the job.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

I genuinely love my role in tax, it's so varied and interesting and if you love numbers, solving problems and helping people this is definitely the role for you, and what needs to shine through on your application.

I had no direct relevant business experience when I applied, I had not done a secondment or a summer placement in the industry. But I didn't let that put me off applying and it shouldn't put you off either.

Instead think about how your own personal experiences, hobbies and work experience might be applicable to the role i.e. think about what ransferrable skills you possess i.e. times where you have worked in a team, successful overcome a problem, provided excellent customer service etc.

Also if you're worried about the numerical and problem solving tests there are lots of helpful practise papers online, to help you build your confidence.

Interview Advice:

Before the interviews make sure you read up on current tax issues, I found the World Service Business Podcasts on the BBC really helpful, for boosting my Business acumen and awareness. Also research the firm and its values.

Be yourself at the interview, if your enthusiastic about the role and opportunities on offer then this will shine through.

Semi Senior, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Practice psychometric tests! You will need to be quick with both logic and maths if you want to pass the exams and make it to the interview stage.

Interview Advice:

Show the interviewer that you know what is going on in the business world and how it relates to professional service such as accounting, tax and corporate finance. Also, research the firm and make sure you can talk about how the different departments relate to one another.

Semi Senior, Personal tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be sure upon your office location and be prepared to be confident in your abilities in the application process - be a good all rounder.

Interview Advice:

Good knowledge of how politics are moving and be a good all rounder.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be yourself and make sure you proof read your application before you submit.

Interview Advice:

Be ready to talk about the industry you want to work in. Make sure you have done your research on the company.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Show yourself to fit in with the Smith and Williamson ethos and you'll be fine.

Interview Advice:

Ask lots of questions and find a client of SW and show an interest in them.

Trainee Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Read the information on the website carefully.

Tax trainee, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Get to know the company and all it's different service lines.

Interview Advice:

Know what is going on in the world and be confident when articulating your opinions.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Know the company well.

Interview Advice:

Make sure you have a wide range of examples of times you showed your strengths. Know the company well and be expected to talk about what the company does and how recent events have/will affect it. Usually there are two interviews, manager and partner.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be genuinely passionate about your chosen career.

Interview Advice:

Prepare for a variety of competency based questions. Identify your strengths, weaknesses and past experiences that have shaped your personality.

Graduate Tax Trainee, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be yourself - try to show you'd be a fun person to work with. This is a people business and so ideally you need to be personable!

It's not all about your grades etc. Try to say something in the application that makes you standout e.g. something unique or interesting about yourself.

Interview Advice:

Don't try to make it out like you live for work - the partners aren't looking for that anyway.

They want someone who can easily demonstrate they have enough interest in investing but at the same time, someone they'd want to work with. The firm doesn't believe in being competitive with one another, this is a very friendly and team orientated environment so try to reflect that in yourself.

Also learn about what's going on in the economy and your views on what will happen next year. Also pick a stock and have a good investment case for it.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Make sure you research the company a lot before you join - it looks good on your application if you can describe why you want to work specifically for them.

Interview Advice:

Have a few examples of experiences (from work, university or sport) where you've worked as a team, made a mistake, demonstrated leadership etc. If you are told your interviewers' names beforehand, do some research on them and think of some questions to ask at the end of your interview.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Look at core values to figure out which company suits with you.

Interview Advice:

Research the top 10 accountancy firms and make sure you understand the core values of the company.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Complete it fully, answer the questions posed - especially the competency questions, attention to detail – make sure there are no typos.

Interview Advice:

Know why you want to work for the firm/the industry, what strengths will you bring to the firm, times you have worked in teams, led projects or had to negotiate with someone. Research qualifications.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Do your research, be commercially aware, understand what service you are applying for and what makes S&W unique.

Interview Advice:

Competency-based interview. Standard assessment centre.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Good level of attention to detail – make sure there are no typos, grammatical mistakes etc.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be yourself and think about what makes you different to other graduate applicants.

Interview Advice:

As above.

Tax Trainee, Business Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Don't over-elaborate on things, try and be succinct and get to the point. Make sure you set aside enough time to complete the online tests and application forms properly!

Interview Advice:

Be prepared but be yourself. Show the interviewers why you're interested in the firm and why you want to work in this space.

Tax Trainee, Business Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research the role thoroughly and be well prepared.

Interview Advice:

Just be yourself.

Trainee Chartered accountant, at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Do your research - know why you are applying and what interests you about the role.

Interview Advice:

Be yourself - they want to see how you will fit in.

Tax Trainee, Business Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be yourself!
Our partners like people with personality. Starting out as a junior member of staff, you will have to communicate and work directly with the partners of the firm and so they want people they want to work with.

As I've already said, Smith & Williamson believe in going above and beyond for our customers and that's something you'll want to have a passion for.

Interview Advice:

Know the firm, and know our customers.
Look into the firm's mission, and what the aims for the future are for Smith & Williamson.
Most of all, know the job role and about the qualifications you are studying towards. Assurance & Business Services provide a wide range of services and it's important to know the reach of the department.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance & Business Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research the company and the role in detail.

Interview Advice:

Have plenty of practical examples of situations you have been in, do plenty of research into economic current affairs, have a clear idea of what you want.

Tax Trainee, Personal Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Don't waffle. Get straight to the point when it comes to answering the application questions.

Interview Advice:

Research the latest news in the tax world and know what you find interesting about the topic.

Tax trainee, Private client tax services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Make sure you give clear examples, linking them to Smith and Williamsons main recruitment objectives.

Interview Advice:

Really try to understand why Smith and Williamson is different from other Accounting firms in the industry.

Be yourself.

Tax Trainee, PCTS at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research the company and the qualification.

Interview Advice:

Clue up on FRS 102!

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be aware of current affairs and the industry
Be yourself - in audit it is as much about fitting in the team as being capable to do the work
Prepare questions - there is so much going on in the industry, there must be something you don't know about

Interview Advice:

Know and be able to compare the firm with competitors
On the website there are key values - make sure you can tie work/life experience to it

Trainee Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research the company and its ethos.

Interview Advice:

Think of questions to ask your interviewer.

Trainee, Business Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Show an interest in the general financial/business world.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Remember what you wrote on your initial application form, they will ask questions on this.

Interview Advice:

Be yourself!

Tax Senior, Business Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Be clear in demonstrating your own motivations and how you became interested in the industry.

Interview Advice:

Be prepared to explain your understanding of different economies at macro level, as well as discussing individual investment assets

Trianee Investment Manager, at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Research the company and have a genuine interest in the industry, if this comes across then you will have a far better chance of success.

Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Detail as much information about yourself as possible, any interest should be listed as it makes you seem like a diverse person. Research the office you are applying to, take note of the different sectors. Think about where you can fit in.

Interview Advice:

It's REALLY important to take note of current affairs as you will more than likely be asked on an issue about politics or the economy that interests you, and how it can impact on business areas. Take time to research what is going on in the UK and Europe and have an opinion on it. Think outside the box with this and it will really give you an edge. A more general awareness of the economy is also a must.

Be able to talk about your interests, hobbies, work experience and how it would contribute to you being successful at S&W. You can list all your achievements but they're no good if you can't APPLY them to the job you want!

Trainee accountant (school leaver), at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Practice lots of online tests before applying, do your research on the company & market area.

Interview Advice:

Apply for a role you actually want to do, the interviewer will know if your hearts not in it. Try and relax it's not as scary as you think, the interviewer feels under pressure too. Try and speak to someone who does the job you are applying for to understand what their day to day jobs are.

Industrial Placement, Corporate Tax at Smith & Williamson
Read the full review »


Application Advice:

Understand what the ACA entails as it can be a lot of hard work.

Interview Advice:

Research the company and understand that Smith & Williamson prides itself on offering a professional yet personable approach to its clients.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Be yourself - they want to know if you fit into the team more than anything.

Interview Advice:

Normal interview questions really - just make sure you look at the markets and choose some stocks to know well before your interview!

Actually practice for the assessment centre - the maths test is quite hard!

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

A very good sized company to train in and on the whole very nice people - expect the workload to vastly increase throughout your training years though!

Interview Advice:

Make sure you have a good all round knowledge of Smith & Williamson, not just the sector you are applying for.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Understand the more in depth questions and do the research needed. Don't stress and cross answers as guesses, if you don't complete all the tests just do what you can right.

Interview Advice:

Be yourself, have an understanding of some of the issues facing the company.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Understand what makes Smith & Williamson different and how we work to deliver the best possible results for our clients.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Apply early.

Interview Advice:

Read a lot about the company and know your stuff about the area you are applying for, you will be asked!

Audit trainee, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Know the industry. You will be asked about the firm as a whole, not just the tax department, about competitors, the economic environment and the trends affecting the firm.
Be ready to give an opinion and back it up - regurgitating information is not enough.

Tax Trainee, Corporate Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Answer questions fully and truthfully - you will be asked about them later.

Interview Advice:

Think of examples to support the answers given in the application - i.e. when you worked in a team, times you have led projects etc.
Be yourself.

Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Be 100% sure you are ready to undertake the stresses and strains of the ACA. The 15 exams are arguably harder than, or at least pose a completely different challenge, than any I encountered at school or university. The company offers great support in this endeavour but the volume of home study should not be underestimated.
The company is the auditor of many diverse and interesting companies; be sure that it specialises in areas you find interesting.

Interview Advice:

Keep abreast of the latest regulatory and accounting changes that affect Smith and Williamson and its clients. Have your competency questions for the first interview well prepared. Do your best to illustrate your interests beyond academia. Lastly, leave the interviewer in no doubt that you are prepared for the challenge of working for S&W and completing your ACA.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Make sure you follow instructions and complete all fields requested.
If you are asked to answer competency questions then make sure you answer the question posed, not the question you think you are being asked.

Interview Advice:

Be yourself! Bring your experience and CV to life.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Apply early and try and get things sorted before Christmas.

Interview Advice:

Act confident even if you aren't, research your interviewers before the day (on linkedin) so you know a bit about them - and it looks good on you. Know the industry and what's happening in current affairs that may affect the industry.

Trainee, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

To read up on the company well and know why you are applying here.

Interview Advice:

Make sure you have prepared 2 or 3 case studies for each of the qualities that they will ask you about (e.g. teamwork, time management etc)

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Concentrate on work experience you have done. Properly research ACA.

Interview Advice:

All the usual competencies. Have something bad to say about yourself that you can then put a positive spin on. Research the partner doing your interview and ask about them. Research at least one current affairs issue to talk about.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

assessment day - make sure you get yourself noticed, ask a question for example.

Interview Advice:

as much about your confidence / level headedness / and rapport with interviewer as it is about your experience.

They will ask you to explain how you will be able to manage studies with working - so have an example ready.

Read up about the company on the website

Trainee chartered accountant, Assurance and business services at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Research the company and understand what we do - it's not just audit. Make sure you are prepared to work for your exams - they are much more difficult than anything you came across at university and you must be prepared to put the time and effort in.

Interview Advice:

Understand the issues that are affecting the accountancy profession at the moment.
Understand how the ACA qualification is structured.
Make sure you show your personality - it is as much about your work background as it is about whether you will be a good fit for the firm

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Decide what sector and what sort of clients you want to work on before picking which office to apply for

Interview Advice:

Tailor the interview to clients specific to that office

Trainee accountant, Assurance & business services at Smith & Williamson
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Interview Advice:

Be yourself, research the company well and have an opinion on matters facing the audit industry. Show an interest!

Trainee Chartered Accountant, at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Practice the online tests before hand, and give the application the time it deserves.

Interview Advice:

Read as much as you possibly can. I was asked to present my forecast for the global economy in 2014 (when it was 2013) so the question was extremely broad and required a good knowledge of current events.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Research, research, research the role. Make sure you know that you want to do tax as the scope to move elsewhere is limited because of the qualification you do.
If you're set on tax, then S&W is great place to train. The training provider Kaplan is excellent and you get a lot of time off for study.

Interview Advice:

Do lots of question practice pre assessment day. Make sure you speak out and make yourself heard when you do the presentation and lastly it is important to research Smith & Williamson before you attend the interview. If you get to the final interview stage know your competencies with lots of examples.

Tax Semi Senior, at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Nothing out of the ordinary in the application process - if you are prepared you will do well.

Interview Advice:

They are looking for people who will fit in at the firm - make sure you come across as positive and friendly.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS/Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Include all experience and qualities - however weird they may be. Try to get a bit of commercial awareness in.

Interview Advice:

Prepare competency answers and relax! You won't get grilled.

Tax Senior, Corporate Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Demonstrating good people skills, written and verbal communication, strong team working ability, and the ability to manage difficult situations or pressure are far more important than having prior experience of accounting and finance.

Interview Advice:

Be prepared to give concrete examples of the above. Be yourself.

Tax Trainee, Private client tax at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

The company balances well the importance of education and experience i.e. if you have not gone to one of the UK's top universities then you will still be considered provided you have reasonable experience.

Interview Advice:

The interview is much more market and knowledge focused than most other interviews I have had e.g.
Name five Scottish listed companies
What is the FTSE 100 sitting at right now?
What is the name of Warren Buffett's company?
What is the annual ISA allowance?
What is the annual CGT allowance?

Trainee Investment Manager, Private Client Wealth Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Spend a good amount of time researching the company and position before you do the application

Interview Advice:

Tailor your answers to Smith & Williamson specifically.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

As with all graduate applications you need to be able to demonstrate competencies by providing specific examples and make sure you tailor your application to the company.

Interview Advice:

Mentioning any relevant experience and ensuring you truly understand what the job entails is important as it confirms a genuine desire to work in the Industry. This is particularly important In a client facing role where low staff turnover is valued.

Assistant Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Be yourself, team-workers and communicators are key.

Interview Advice:

Standard competency-based interview as well as firm and sector knowledge. Know your application form well.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Justify comments with evidence, and show where you've used/gained skills in areas such as communication and teamwork/team organisation

Interview Advice:

Confidence, open-minded about the job role, business knowledge, enthusiasm

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Understand what it is that Smith and Williamson do differently to other similar firms.

Interview Advice:

Understand the competencies and have a few examples for each.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Research, Research, Research!

Interview Advice:

Be friendly, smile and enthusiastic. It makes a big difference if the interviewer is able to connect with you as a person.

, at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Make sure you thoroughly research the company & truly understand what it is we do. Using the website is a good place to start.

Also make sure you have researched the ACA qualification & the ICAEW.

Interview Advice:

Just be yourself. Smith & Williamson aren't trying to trick you. Be honest with your interviewer- you will gain much more respect if you say you don't know the answer than making it up.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS Southampton at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Apply early and focus on what makes you stand out.

Interview Advice:

Take a moment to think about your answer. When giving an example to illustrate your knowledge and capabilities, be specific about how and where exactly you believe you demonstrated the required abilities.

Tax Trainee, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Be yourself.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Know the role well before you apply. The difference the private client aspect of the job makes to the career.
Be approachable and be honest.
Understand the impact of regulation on the role.

Interview Advice:

What do you expect to be doing?
Market awareness questions - better to be able to discuss each point in depth.

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

When answering the long questions, don't include everything, as in my interview I was asked similar questions but told to give different examples.

Interview Advice:

At the assessment centre, we had to do the online numerical and logic tests again, those who passed these made it through to the afternoon. We then had a written test (it helps to know about the services S&W provide for this) and a group presentation (no preparation was needed for this).

At my final interview I was asked a lot of questions similar to that of the online application. The interview was very conversational so try to be relaxed, have a glass of water you can sip when thinking of how to answer. It is also useful to have an issue you can talk about for commercial awareness and have answers prepared about the impact this will have on S&W for e.g the business areas that may benefit/suffer and why.

Tax Trainee, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Apply online.
Be eager and know what you are applying for.

Interview Advice:

Understand what the firm does.

Trainee Investment Manager, Private Client Wealth Manager at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

It is a friendly company that takes few graduates, so do not act arrogant in any of the application stages, even to other applicants. Know the qualifications you will have to study and find out about the company as much as you can.

Investment Management Trainee, Private client at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Research the company thoroughly as S&W offer a unique service. What sets us a part?

Interview Advice:

Be yourself. They are trying to work out if you will be suited to the working environment.

Trainee Investment Manager, Private Client at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Learn the company and research about the chosen role

Audit Junior, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Preparation and research are key. Know your competencies and be able to provide examples.

Interview Advice:

Stay calm and be yourself. If you have prepared well then you have no need to worry.

Tax Senior, Private Client at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Stay up to date re. financial markets/macro trends/politics prior to interview. Have an opinion, express it and be prepared to back it up.

Interview Advice:

See above.

Questions asked re. previous work experience and how that/degree is relevant to the role. Focus on importance of client service.

Assistant Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Research the firm and its services.

Practice lots of SHL tests online before doing the official ones!

Interview Advice:

Be yourself - the firm tries very hard to recruit within its 'culture', and will appreciate a bit of personality during an interview.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Application Advice:

Interview Advice:

Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS at Smith & Williamson View »

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Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS at Smith & Williamson View »

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Chartered Accountancy Apprenticeship, Assurance & Business Services at Smith & Williamson View »

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Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson View »

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Apprentice Audit, ABS at Smith & Williamson View »

Application Advice:

Interview Advice:

Apprentice, at Smith & Williamson View »

Application Advice:

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Tax Apprentice, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson View »

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Tax apprenticeship, Private Client at Smith & Williamson View »

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Accounts Apprentice, ABS at Smith & Williamson View »

Best:

People.

Worst:

IT systems.

Tax Trainee, BTAX at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Work/life balance.

Worst:

Lack of drive in some areas at the top of the company.

Assistant Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Worst:

Work life balance
Culture of the firm, especially of management

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and business services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Good name and good support when training.

Worst:

Salary increases do not seem in line with market rate. No pay increases after exam passes, just annual pay review.

Tax trainee, Business Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Managers care about your personal development. Management assist you in your training. Study programme is good (ACA). Company gives adequate study leave/college time and study support. Good people. Easy to work with and always happy to answer questions. Good level of responsibility given. Good exposure to client work early on. Lots of travel opportunities (for audit jobs).

Worst:

Salaries / benefits / rewards package is low.

Trainee Chartered Accountant – Audit, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Culture and training

Worst:

Technology - although I know this is being invested in with many changes on the horizon.

Senior, ABS at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The people and the culture.

Worst:

Older technology is still being updated.

Tax Trainee, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

They are really supportive, both in terms of studying for exams and helping in the workplace. We can work flexitime, and there are loads of other great benefits such as socials and Friday fun.

Worst:

Communication is not always the best, especially for new starters.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Asurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The people

Worst:

It can be a bit old fashioned

Tax trainee, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The people & working environment, and the work-life balance for 11 months of the year

Worst:

The technology and somewhat old-style & outdated thinking and attitude

Semi-Senior, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Work life balance
Pay
Benefits
People
Rotation scheme

Worst:

Slow start to career, one must be patient to start with.
Systems can be a bit complex to start

Trainee Investment Manager, Private Client Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Well organised social events

Worst:

Low salary

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The contact you have with superiors, makes you feel like a part of the team rather than a subordinate.

Worst:

The outdated IT systems and processes can make work frustrating

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The friendly supportive team that I work with and my work life balance.

Worst:

We don't get flexible working or working form home, which I know is a turnoff for some people. But it is really a job where you need to be in the office, with the rest of the team, to work effectively and I quite like being able to turn off at the end of the day and know that there's nothing else I can do about work until I get into the office the next morning.

Semi Senior, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Environment, help with study, approachable management

Worst:

Can be old fashioned in approach

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The culture and team atmosphere

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Really good place to work, and supports their students well throughout the ACA training.

Worst:

When it comes to busy season (when there aren't exams), there is a huge amount on your plate.

Trainee Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Very supportive.

Worst:

A little management heavy.

Tax trainee, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Good work life balance, good office culture and colleagues

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

The people

Worst:

The technology side of things could be more up to date, but recently and presently this has received significant investment.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

- Working environment
- Helpful colleagues

Worst:

Lack of social events.

Graduate Tax Trainee, Private Client Tax Services at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Great culture - emphasis on work life balance - you don't need to stay late just to show your face unlike in other financial firms.

Smart and capable colleagues

Worst:

Technology not up to par

Trainee Investment Manager, Investment Management at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

Time off in lieu (TOIL).

Worst:

I find that they don't give you enough study leave - I took quite a few days as study leave from my annual leave allowance.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson
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Best:

My colleagues, their willingness to help and have a laugh.

Worst:

Quite a rigorous structure, so change takes a while to come around.

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Assurance and Business Services at Smith & Williamson
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Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS at Smith & Williamson View » Trainee Chartered Accountant, ABS at Smith & Williamson View » Chartered Accountancy Apprenticeship, Assurance & Business Services at Smith & Williamson View » Trainee Chartered Accountant, Audit at Smith & Williamson View » Apprentice Audit, ABS at Smith & Williamson View » Apprentice, at Smith & Williamson View » Tax Apprentice, Private Client Tax at Smith & Williamson View » Tax apprenticeship, Private Client at Smith & Williamson View » Accounts Apprentice, ABS at Smith & Williamson View »