Job Description

Job Title:

Graduate Scheme - Private Client Team

Location:

Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Salary:

Starting from 23,809.50 (subject to review and progression)

Job Type:

Permanent, Full-Time

Start Date:

Immediate start date

Application Deadline:

September 5th, 2025

Description:

Shorts are now accepting applications for our 2025 Graduate Scheme, with one position available in our award-winning Private Client team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a graduate or final-year student with a strong interest in law, estates and tax advisory to begin their career in a structured and supportive environment.

About SHORTS:

Shorts is not your average accountancy firm. With over 130 years of heritage, we've grown from a local practice into a nationally recognised, award-winning firm. Our Private Client team is one of the most respected in the region, employing more Chartered Tax Advisers than any other local independent firm. Amongst our team are 4 full members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) alongside individuals with legal qualifications to assist with the administration of estates and the preparation of trusts and wills.

Our Private Client team, based in our Chesterfield office, is particularly unique. It brings together professionals from both legal and tax advisory backgrounds to offer clients a truly joined-up service.

The team is split into two closely connected strands:

Wills, Probate, and Estates Private Client Tax Planning and Advisory
Because we have both areas under one roof, we're able to support clients through every stage-from drafting Wills and administering estates to advising on inheritance tax and trust planning-without needing to refer externally. It's a brilliant environment for someone looking to develop across both legal and tax disciplines.

We've had team members join us from legal backgrounds who've gone on to study and qualify as Chartered Tax Advisers (CTA), while others pursue the STEP qualification. We offer full study support and encourage development in whichever direction suits your interests.

If you're curious about how your legal/accountancy experience could evolve in a setting like ours, please send across your interest. Here's a link to our team page so you can get a feel for who we are and what we do: https://shorts.uk.com/private-client

About You:

As a 2025 finalist or graduate, the Shorts Graduate Scheme will suit you if you want to start your career in a structured role designed to support your career development from day one. We are looking for applicants who:

Are pursuing a career in Law/Private Client, Tax or Accountancy. Have an exceptional eye for detail. Have good time management, with the ability to work to tight deadlines. Are excellent communicators - both verbal and written - and able to confidently communicate with clients and the Shorts team. Demonstrate emotional intelligence and enthusiasm for our industry. Are excited to undertake further professional studies to become a Chartered Tax Advisor or specialise within Estates and Trust (STEP)
We are open to all degree disciplines, and particularly welcome those studying Finance, Accountancy, Law, Economics, Maths or Business Studies related disciplines. We don't mind where you studied or what your degree classification is either; it's the person that matters to us most. If you are interested in our profession, then we want to hear from you.

Benefits:

- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Structured study support for professional qualifications.
-Dedicated mentor, buddy and in-house Learning & Development specialist to guide you through your study
- A welcoming and progressive workplace culture.
- Clear career progression and development opportunities.
- Check out what our 'People' say on our 'Benefits' page: The Benefits | Shorts Chartered Accountants

The main points:

Those who work for Shorts, can expect all the stuff you would normally expect from a really progressive form, and lots more besides:

Core hours policy (7.5 hours per day, working between 08:00 and 18:00). The ability to take up to two hours for lunch. Zero overtime policy (If you do it must be taken back as TOIL) Holidays start at 25 days or pro-rata equivalent. Extra 1 day holiday after 5 years' service and thereafter to a maximum extra 5 days (with the option to sell back unused extra days) Ability to buy up to five days holiday or pro-rata equivalent. Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave. Employee assistance program for counselling services, medical support, and perks through PAYCARE A fair and sympathetic sickness policy. Access to Mental Health First Aiders with ongoing associated support.

The other bits:

Professional subscriptions reimbursed Flu jabs and inoculations Structured external training and personal development. Dress for your diary policy. Death in service The opportunity to take one volunteering day per year. Free & subsidised parking at both offices. Christmas party and summer social. Referral schemes for clients and recruitment. Charity and other social events. Team Forum. Free tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit (it's important!)

Diversity and values

Shorts are committed to diversity and inclusion. We are proactive, human, joined-up, reliable, and leading in everything we do. We strive to be the outstanding, innovative practice in our region, and we will achieve that through our recruitment practices as well as our professional expertise.

Shorts welcomes applications from candidates of any background, and if you feel there is a barrier to making an application with us, please get in touch.

The Process

Once you submit your CV via Indeed, here's what you can expect:

Initial Review

Your application will be reviewed by Laura Collins, our Talent Acquisition Manager. We assess your academic background, relevant experience, and interest in private client work.

Screening Call

If your profile aligns with the role, Laura will reach out to arrange a short screening call. This is an opportunity to discuss your motivations, career goals, and clarify any initial questions you may have.

Interview Invitation

Successful candidates will be invited to a formal interview with members of our Private Client team. This may include technical and scenario-based questions, as well as a discussion about your fit within the team and future development.

Follow-Up & Outcome

After the interview, we'll provide feedback and let you know the outcome. If successful, you'll be guided through the next steps of onboarding and qualification support.

We aim to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. If you have any questions at any stage, Laura Collins will be your main point of contact.

Recruitment agencies

: At present we are not looking for any agency assistance with this vacancy, any agency applications sent for this role therefore will be accepted as a gift.

Job Types: Full-time, Graduate

Pay: From 23,809.50 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Newbold S40 4AA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Newbold S40 4AA (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 05/09/2025