Specialist Advice Graduate Development Programme
Our Specialist Advice department advises on tax, trust, estate planning, pensions, structured lending and investment advisory matters. Expect to be based in London with our tax teams, but anticipate working with other teams too. We offer an initial two-year graduate contract, potentially extendable should you pass the Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) examinations within that period.
Year One
Developing your knowledge of Coutts and the Specialist Advice department
Our thorough induction programme introduces you to the private banking industry and Coutts’ culture. You also:
- Develop an understanding of the work undertaken by our tax teams
- Learn basic tax concepts and the services and solutions Coutts provides
- Research tax and legal issues
- Attend various client meetings
- Develop business letter writing skills
- Learn tax-specific software packages
Within a fairly short period, expect your own allocation of clients and to be assisting in the provision of high quality tax planning advice. After five or six months, expect to start studying for your ATT examinations. You must pass these to secure a place in our team. Look forward to full study support, which includes external trainers and courses.
Year Two
Developing your expertise.
As well as looking after existing clients, expect to assist with more complex tax planning projects and research for other teams within the department. Secondments to other teams are possible.
After the programme
After completing the programme and passing the ATT examinations, you can progress to Chartered Tax Adviser by passing the Institute of Taxation (ATII) examinations over the next two years. This opens up the potential for a management position. We also offer opportunities to take examinations in other disciplines, such as Financial Planning.
A management position involves working closely with business groups to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your team. Expect your training and development to continue after your first managerial appointment, with career progression focusing on managing a number of teams or project managers. Whatever new responsibilities you undertake, expect to concentrate on managing relationships and maximising business potential, at the same time enjoying the growing diversity and professional challenges that working in wealth management brings.
What you need
- At least a 2:1 (Hons) degree in any discipline with a minimum of 280 UCAS points (or equivalent).
- You must have an ‘A’ level or Scottish Higher (or equivalent) in a numerate subject such as Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Statistics.
- Previous work experience which does not have to have been within the financial sector (eg permanent or temporary roles, internships, vacation work, sandwich placements etc).
- The intellectual calibre and stamina to gain professional qualifications while holding down a demanding job and the potential to identify and apply effective wealth management strategies for clients.