12-Month Placement Programme, Audit - Southampton (July 2026) in London

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 to the Audit & Assurance team at S&W: Many businesses need to reassure investors and other stakeholders of their financial performance, even where a full audit isn't necessary, appropriate, or required by law. The team you'll be joining provides wide‐reaching Audit & Assurance services to a diverse client base, ranging from small businesses and family enterprise start‐ups to non‐profit organisations, across a range of industries, both in the UK and internationally.

What will you be doing? As part of our Audit & Assurance team you will be working directly with client finance teams at varying levels of seniority, from Accounts Assistants to Financial Directors. Your working environment will differ on each engagement, either based at client offices or at an S&W office, working collaboratively to provide assurance, advice and solutions that really make a difference.

Our audits follow a cycle of Planning, Fieldwork and Completion, each phase can last anywhere between one week to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the client. You will quickly gain exposure to a variety of businesses, developing the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective auditor and trusted business adviser.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working as part of a team to undertake a variety of audit and accountancy tasks
• Developing an understanding of our clients and their business portfolios
• Keeping senior stakeholders informed of project updates
• Becoming familiar with our audit and accounting software
• Resolving queries, whether of an audit or accountancy nature
• Prioritising tasks whilst monitoring time against budget

To be successful in this role, you should:

• Be in your penultimate year of university
• 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

We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences are the cornerstone of our success. At S&W, you'll find an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in our active employee resource groups and ongoing initiatives. We're dedicated to creating a workplace where you can thrive and reach your full potential.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the application process. Please don't hesitate to discuss your needs with your recruiter.