Professional studies

Whichever area of Smith & Williamson you join, a professional qualification will form the backbone of your training in the first years of your career. Of course, this will require dedication and commitment from you as you learn to combine work and study. However, the qualification you gain will stand you in excellent stead for the rest of your career, and we also have a strong commitment to supporting you throughout your studies by providing study leave.

The actual qualification you take will depend on the area of the business that you join, and on discussions with your manager. However, the qualifications that we offer are:

Qualification: ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant)
Business Areas: Assurance & Business Services, Corporate & Personal Tax, Forensic Services
Description: The ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales) is the largest professional accountancy body in Europe with over 128,000 members, and its ACA qualification is universally recognised and sought after across practice and business in the UK and internationally. The qualification usually takes around three years and is designed to ensure that you gain a sound understanding of business and are able to add value to your clients. The first three to four weeks of the qualification will see you take part in full-time study, before you return to the office to pick up practical experience. Find out more about the ICAEW here.

Qualification: ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians)
Business Area: Corporate & Personal Tax
Description: With a membership of over 5,000, the ATT has become the leading professional body for those providing tax compliance services and related activities. The qualification, which takes around 12 months to complete will consist of seven papers and lead to you becoming a Taxation Technician. Find out more about the Association of Taxation Technicians.

Qualification: CTA (Chartered Taxation Adviser)
Business Area: Corporate & Personal Tax
Description: Description: This qualification will see you work towards becoming a Chartered Tax Adviser. With 14,000 members the CIOT (Chartered Institute of Taxation) provides a highly recognised qualification, which generally takes around 12 months to complete. Find out more about the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Qualification: Certificate in Securities
Business Area: Investment Management
Description: Everyone who works within our Investment Management division must first take the Certificate in Securities - it is this which will allow you to engage in activity for private customers. You will study for the Regulatory Paper of the Certificate during your first few weeks at Smith & Williamson.

Qualification: Investment Management Certificate
Business Area: Investment Management
Description: The second stage in your Investment Management training, this certificate will involve both external and internal training. This will comprise of a two to three day introductory period, followed by a five-day intensive training course, six weeks later, prior to your examination. In addition, you will attend internal seminars that will address areas of common difficulty and act as refresher revision sessions. Your supervisor will also provide additional support and help guide your studies. Following this, you will move on to taking the Securities Institute Diploma.

Qualification: Securities Institute Diploma
Business Area: Investment Management
Description: The Diploma typically takes between 18 months and two years and the assessment will consist of a combination of case studies, reports and examinations which are held in June and December of each year. The resulting qualification will allow you to advise clients across a number of areas of securities and investments.