Tax & Customs Placement 2027

As GRAHAM continues to grow, we are offering an exciting opportunity for a university placement student to join our Group Tax team for a 12-month placement.

The role provides hands-on experience across tax and customs within a large UK and Irish business. Working closely with the Tax team, the successful candidate will develop practical knowledge of tax compliance, reporting and project work, alongside customs and international trade matters arising from the movement of goods. Working with Finance and operational teams across the wider business will also provide valuable commercial exposure and an understanding of how tax and customs operate in practice. We are looking for someone who is analytical, curious and eager to learn, with an interest in developing a career in tax, customs or international trade.

The Tax & Customs Placement Student role includes

• Support the Tax team with UK and Irish tax compliance, reporting and related activities.
• Prepare schedules, reconciliations and supporting analysis with guidance from the Tax team.
• Assist with VAT compliance, including reconciliations and transaction reviews.
• Gain practical exposure to customs and international trade matters relating to the movement of goods.
• Gather, review and organise information for tax and customs projects.
• Research defined tax and customs topics and prepare short summaries for review.
• Collate information for tax authority enquiries and external advisers.
• Maintain tax governance trackers, controls and supporting records.
• Work with Finance and operational teams to obtain and validate information.
• Use Excel and other appropriate technology to support data analysis, compliance and process improvement.
• Take responsibility for defined recurring tasks as knowledge and experience develop throughout the placement.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the Tax & Customs Placement Student and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Personal specification

Technical competencies

Essential

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with good attention to detail.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Well organised, with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Logical and inquisitive approach to problem-solving.
• Professional approach with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Genuine interest in tax, customs or international trade.

Desirable

• Studying towards a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• Previous relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with SharePoint or other Microsoft 365 applications.

Behavioural competencies

Essential

• Effective communication: Communicates clearly and professionally, adapting style to suit different audiences and building positive working relationships.
• Problem solving: Takes a logical approach to issues, considers the available information and seeks appropriate solutions or guidance.
• Planning and prioritising: Organises workload effectively, manages competing priorities and works towards agreed objectives while maintaining accuracy.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to new challenges and remains flexible when priorities change.
• Initiative: Shows enthusiasm and takes a proactive approach to work, seeking opportunities to contribute and develop.

The recruitment process

• The closing date for applications will be Friday 8th January 2027.
• Interviews will commence in February 2027.
• Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.
• All successful applicants will join the business by September 2027, with some opportunities to start earlier where possible.

Industrial placements

Our industrial placements can last from 3-12 months, dependent on your college/university curriculum. On your placement you will be given the support, guidance and experience which will lay the foundations for a great future in a Construction career. Show us what you can do and your placement could lead to a company scholarship award and an offer of employment when you graduate.