Tax Graduate Programme (ATT CTA) - Private Client - Godalming, Surrey- September 2026

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Department: Private Client Tax

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Godalming, Surrey

Compensation: £30,000 / year

Description

Start date: 2 September 2026

At Moore Kingston Smith, we believe in the potential of people to make a positive impact, fuelled by the power of genuine understanding. As an accredited training firm, we’re committed to providing first-class professional development in a supportive and friendly environment. Over three years, you’ll gain hands‑on experience, develop essential skills, and build the foundation for a successful career in private client tax.

You’ll work with a range of clients, while earning your ATT and CTA qualifications, to become a Chartered Tax Advisor. We’re all about working together to realise ambitions. So, our growing Private Client Tax team is comprised of experts who advise clients with every aspect of their tax finances, including personal tax, estate planning, private office and financial services.

From the get-go, you’ll work with our clients, who choose us because we understand them so well - and we want to help them reach their aspirations. So, you’ll build a rapport with them, getting to know their goals, affairs and challenges. We encourage you to take responsibility early on, and you’ll get to grips with all aspects of the role.

In addition to internal and external training, you’ll learn on the job through a range of key responsibilities while supporting senior colleagues with the annual tax compliance cycle. These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Analysing and processing information provided by clients
• Preparation and submission of tax returns
• Liaising with clients and colleagues outside the Private Client team on client matters
• Speaking to and dealing with HMRC
• Joining client meetings and calls

As you progress in your role, you can expect to be given more responsibility, including dealing with all day‑to‑day requirements of a portfolio of clients (often being their first point of contact) and having the opportunity to assist on bespoke tax advisory projects. You’ll receive support and guidance in all your tasks, as you gain exposure across the wider business and learn the different ways we support and engage with our clients.

Whatever path you choose, we have clear progression routes, and there’s plenty of opportunity to take your career in the direction you desire at Moore Kingston Smith. In fact, many of our partners started out as trainees here and through hard work, commitment and drive have gone on to leadership roles.

Your path to qualification

This role is a three‑year training contract, during which time you will study towards the ATT and CTA qualifications. What this means for you:

To obtain the ATT and CTA qualifications, you’ll complete 9 exams in total. The first 6 exams are for the ATT qualification, giving you a strong grounding in UK tax. Then you will move onto CTA, where you develop advanced advisory and application skills through a further 3 exams. You will develop key professional skills through structured training and development. You will follow a planned schedule of work and study, with regular revision and training sessions leading up to key exams during the year.

We’ll be providing comprehensive support throughout, including:

• You will attend in‑person tuition with our trusted training provider during set study blocks.
• Paid study leave.
• Ongoing support from a Buddy, Training Manager and Training Partner, with regular feedback and development reviews.
• Access to wellbeing resources and a supportive network to help you thrive.

We understand that completing a training contract is a significant commitment, requiring time management and a proactive mindset. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. In return, you will work towards a globally respected qualification within an internationally recognised network and build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in audit and beyond.

Who are we looking for?

Our Tax Graduate Programme welcomes applicants from all degree backgrounds – whether you’re a recent university graduate, changing careers, or returning to work. You’ll be provided with training and support throughout your career with us, and the ATT/CTA qualification pathway has a structured study and exam programme to allow you to prepare proactively, so you don’t need to have prior technical knowledge or experience, but we do look for is:

• A clear motivation to pursue a career in private client tax, supported by an understanding of the ATT and CTA qualifications
• Enthusiasm for building strong relationships and collaborating with clients and colleagues, with close support from your manager.
• A proactive, results‑driven attitude, ensuring excellent client service and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work with integrity and professionalism.
• A dedication to ethical standards, ensuring your work aligns with professional guidelines and best practices.
• Strong commitment and reliability, enabling you to balance your studies and exams (with paid study leave) alongside your full‑time role and responsibilities.
• A growth mindset and adaptable approach, with a willingness to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge, supported by your manager, learning coach and dedicated early talent team.
• A commitment to understanding, built on respect, collaboration, and active listening.

In order to be eligible for the programme, you will also need:

• Have obtained at least 112 UCAS points from three A‑Levels, or equivalent qualifications
• Have achieved a 2:1 or above, from a degree in any discipline
• Be permitted to work in the UK, for at least 3‑years from the start date of the programme

Recruitment process

We recruit on a rolling basis, so would encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience to avoid missing out. The application process is made up of four stages:

• Application
• Interactive assessment
• Virtual interview with one of the Early Talent team
• Final interview in the office in which you’re being considered for

If your application is progressed, we will reach out by inviting you to complete an interactive assessment online with more information on how to prepare and what to expect. The Early Talent team are here to support you throughout the recruitment process and on the training contract. In confidence, we can discuss the individual support and adjustments you may need. A few examples of the support we can provide include but are not limited to: providing extra time in our interactive assessment or sharing interview questions ahead of time. If successful in securing a place on our training contract, we will organise a confidential call to discuss how we can work with you on the training contract to enable you to perform at your best.