Graduate Programme, Corporate Finance

Graduate Programme, Corporate Finance - Cambridge (Sept 2026)

• Intern
• Office
  
  Location:
  
  Cambridge (Stonecross)

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.

Corporate Finance is a key part of the broader Transactions team, which also includes our due diligence, valuations, and modelling colleagues. The team is rapidly growing and now comprises over 40 professionals across our offices in London, Cambridge, Bristol, Newcastle, and Dublin.

Within Corporate Finance, we work closely with entrepreneurial and corporate clients, advising them throughout the lifecycle of their businesses. Our support covers a broad range of strategic transactions, including divestments, fundraisings, acquisitions, growth capital, management buyouts (MBOs), employee ownership trusts (EOTs), and other corporate finance initiatives.

Our client base typically operates in the mid‑market, and we have an established track record of working with international strategic buyers and private equity investors. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial mindset, commercial acumen, and our commitment to building long‑term partnerships based on trust and integrity.

We provide independent mid‑market corporate finance advice to a wide range of clients across a variety of sectors. As a graduate, you will gain broad professional experience and in‑depth exposure to a range of transactions, including both sell‑side and buy‑side mandates.

You will play a key role in supporting the execution of transactions and helping clients achieve their strategic objectives, while developing technical, commercial, and business skills to support your long‑term career growth.

As part of our Corporate Finance team, you will assist across multiple live projects at different stages—including pitch preparation, market research and analysis, the production of marketing materials, buyer or target outreach, and due diligence.

Typical tasks may include conducting desktop research, preparing client presentations, supporting financial modelling, overseeing aspects of due diligence, and participating in client calls. You will gain exposure to a diverse range of businesses and industries, building critical experience from the outset.

• Supporting live M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including tasks such as market research, financial analysis, and the preparation of marketing materials.
• Developing an understanding of our clients’ industries, business models, and strategic objectives.
• Assisting in the preparation of buyer and target lists using databases and industry intelligence tools.
• Helping to build and review financial models and support the analysis of business plans and valuation metrics.
• Studying toward the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, with full support provided throughout the graduate programme.
• Managing multiple work streams by prioritising tasks, maintaining clear communication, and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• Be committed to working towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) Level 7 professional qualification
• 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

You’ll be supported in completing your qualification; gaining the finance knowledge, accountancy skills and real‑world business experience to jump‑start your career in accountancy,…