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. 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 tax, Private client tax services
Description: The ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales) is the largest professional accountancy body worldwide with over 136,000 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 tax, Private client tax services
Description: With a membership of over 6,000, 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 tax, Private client tax services
Description: This qualification will see you work towards becoming a Chartered Tax Adviser. With 15,000 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: CFA UK Society - Investment Management Certificate (IMC)
Business Area: Investment management
Description: The CFA Society of the UK is one of 136 CFA Institute member societies worldwide and represents more than 9, 000 individuals involved in the investment profession. The IMC qualification is the entry-level qualification. You will attend a course with our external training provider followed by two examinations. Your supervisor will also provide additional support and help guide your studies. Click here to find out more about the CFA Society of the UK.
Qualification: The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Masters in Wealth Management
Business Area: Investment management
Description: The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) is the professional body for those working in the securities and investment industry and now has more than 40,000 members in 89 countries. Wealth Management is the CISI’s flagship qualification. Ranging across traditional instruments and products, alternative investments and ethical investment, the programme equips Wealth Management advisers with the knowledge and skills needed to construct portfolios for a wide range of clients at a post graduate level of learning. Exams take place in June and December.