Corporate Tax Internship - Summer 2026

Location: Derby

Contract: Monday 22nd June 2026 – Friday 28th August 2026

Closing date: 13th March 2026

Are you interested in becoming a skilled tax advisor and developing expertise in the ever-evolving world of Corporate Tax? If so, you could be the perfect candidate for our Corporate Tax Internship Programme.

Our Corporate Tax team supports a wide range of clients, from entrepreneurial start-ups to large established groups, helping them navigate complex tax legislation, remain compliant, and optimise their tax position. We offer advice on everything from business structuring and tax planning to compliance, reporting, and specialist transactional support.

As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working alongside our experienced and award-winning tax professionals. You will learn how to interpret tax legislation, prepare tax computations, support advisory projects, and develop strong analytical and commercial skills, all while contributing to real client work.

You will be based in Derby, where you will benefit from a thriving professional community and a strong regional business network that will support your development and provide excellent opportunities to grow your skills.

This internship is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of Corporate Tax and potentially secure a full‑time graduate position with us. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme and available for the full placement from June to August.

The important work you will be doing:

• Assisting in preparing corporate tax computations and returns

• Analysing client financial information to support tax calculations

• Undertaking research into tax legislation and HMRC guidance

• Supporting advisory projects, including restructuring, group relief, and capital allowances

• Helping identify tax risks, opportunities, and planning considerations

• Drafting client-ready documents, summaries, and technical notes

• Working collaboratively with departments across PKF Smith Cooper, particularly Audit and Corporate Finance, on shared client projects

• Supporting the Tax leadership team with wider team initiatives

You can expect to:

• Work on real client projects that will deepen your understanding of tax in practice

• Build your technical knowledge through access to a wide range of specialist tax resources

• Develop commercial awareness by working with clients across diverse industries

• Strengthen teamwork, analytical thinking, communication, and presentation skills

• Grow your confidence through mentoring from experienced tax professionals

Dates for your diary:

• Closing date: 13th March 2026

• Telephone interviews: W/C 23rd March 2026

• In‑person interview: 7th April 2026

Why PKF Smith Cooper?

• Our company culture, built on our values – Engage, Empower and Excel – encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated; a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme.

• The firm’s Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.

• We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same.

• We are multi-award-winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 12th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.

Why Derby?

At our headquarters, located in Pride Park, you’ll find our main office, featuring three floors of bright, open-plan workspaces, breakout areas, and modern meeting rooms. Fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces are perfect for spending time away from our desks, and you can even enjoy our private, on-site gym.

PKF International

As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms.

Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions.

An ambitious, future-focused network, PKF provides a comprehensive range of services. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we are able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to better serve our clients, delivering highly-personalised services and global connectivity through our client-centric culture. 

What's in it for you?

Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme

• Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm

How to apply?

If you believe you meet our requirements, we encourage you to apply! Even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria, please submit your application. To do so, upload your CV and a cover letter to our job portal.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the People team at careers@pkfsmithcooper.com or by calling 01332 332021.

Please note that we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds; however, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK.

Also, we kindly ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us unless we have directly reached out to you.