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- Tasks: Dive into real due diligence projects and analyse financial performance.
- Company: Join a multi-award-winning firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, social events, and a vibrant office environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and build skills for a future career in business advisory.
- Qualifications: Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme.
- Other info: Opportunity to secure a full-time role post-internship.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Location: Derby
Contract: Start date: Monday 22nd June 2026 – End date: Friday 28th August 2026
Closing date: 13th March 2026
Are you interested in becoming a skilled business advisor with strong analytical abilities and a passion for understanding how businesses really operate? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for our Transaction Services Internship Programme.
Our Transaction Services (TS) team plays a crucial role in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), supporting buyers, sellers, investors, and lenders by providing high‑quality financial due diligence. We help clients understand the true performance, value, risks, and opportunities within a business, enabling them to make confident and informed deal decisions.
As an intern, you will gain hands‑on experience working on real due diligence projects alongside our experienced and award‑winning Transaction Services team. You will build a strong foundation in financial analysis, commercial understanding, and investigative thinking, key skills used to evaluate businesses in fast‑moving transaction environments.
You will be based in Derby, where you will benefit from a thriving professional community and a strong regional business network that will support your development and provide excellent opportunities to grow your skills. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of Transaction Services and potentially secure a full‑time graduate role with us. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme, and you must also be available to work from June to August.
The important work you will be doing:
- Analysing historical financial performance and understanding business trends
- Reviewing key financial information to identify risks, opportunities, and value drivers
- Investigating revenue, margins, cash flows, and working capital movements
- Supporting the preparation of due diligence reports used by buyers, sellers, funders, and investors
- Conducting market and sector research to support commercial analysis
- Assisting in the review of forecasts and understanding business assumptions
- Liaising with clients and other advisers to obtain data and clarify key points
- Supporting the project management of TS assignments alongside the deal team
You can expect to:
- Work on real due diligence projects that will give you deep insight into how businesses operate
- Build your technical knowledge using a wide range of financial and analytical resources
- Develop your commercial acumen by working with clients from a variety of sectors
- Strengthen your problem‑solving, teamwork, communication, and presentation skills
- Support the Transaction Services leadership team on wider team initiatives
Dates for your diary:
- Closing date: 13th March 2026
- Telephone interviews: W/C 23rd March 2026
- In‑person interview: 1st April 2026
Why PKF Smith Cooper?
Our company culture, built on our values – Engage, Empower and Excel – encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated; a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme. The firm's Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.
We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same. We are multi-award-winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 12th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.
Why Derby? At our headquarters, located in Pride Park, you’ll find our main office, featuring three floors of bright, open-plan workspaces, breakout areas, and modern meeting rooms. Fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces are perfect for spending time away from our desks, and you can even enjoy our private, on-site gym.
PKF International
As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms. Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions. An ambitious, future-focused network, PKF provides a comprehensive range of services. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we are able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to better serve our clients, delivering highly-personalised services and global connectivity through our client-centric culture.
What’s in it for you?
Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:
- A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme
- Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm
How to apply?
If you believe you meet our requirements, we encourage you to apply. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria, please submit your application. To do so, upload your CV and a cover letter to our job portal. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the People team.
Please note that we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds; however, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK. Also, we kindly ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us unless we have directly reached out to you.
Transaction & Advisory Services Internship - Summer 2026 in Derby employer: PKF Smith Cooper
Contact Detail:
PKF Smith Cooper Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Transaction & Advisory Services Internship - Summer 2026 in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past interns and employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give you a real edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, its values, and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in financial analysis and due diligence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Transaction & Advisory Services Internship - Summer 2026 in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transaction Services Internship. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, like analytical abilities and financial understanding. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for business advisory and explain why you're excited about this internship. Be genuine and let us know what makes you a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your analytical skills. We love seeing how you've tackled complex problems in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our job portal! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at PKF Smith Cooper
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial analysis skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss key financial metrics and how they relate to business performance. This will show that you understand the core of what the Transaction Services team does.
✨Research the Company and Industry
Dive deep into PKF Smith Cooper's recent projects, values, and the sectors they operate in. Understanding their approach to mergers and acquisitions will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Practice answering scenario-based questions where you might need to evaluate a business situation or identify risks and opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in Transaction Services, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.