Trainee Tax Associate – University Graduate in Woking

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious graduate to join our tax team as a Graduate Tax Trainee, while getting the best start in a challenging and rewarding profession. This is an entry-level role within our private client and tax team, suited to someone bright, commercially aware and willing to learn, who wants to build a long-term career in tax.

You will receive structured training and support while learning how to prepare tax returns, communicate with clients, understand tax legislation and develop professional judgement. You will work alongside experienced tax and accounting professionals and will gradually take on responsibility as your knowledge and confidence develop.

The Role Offers

• A starting salary of £25,000 – £28,000 per annum;
• A sponsored professional tax qualification — the likely initial route is ATT, with the potential to progress into the ICAEW/CTA joint pathway depending on performance, aptitude and business need;
• Opportunities for progression onto more complex work, including property tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, residence matters, partnerships and owner‑managed business tax;
• Looking after clients across a range of sectors, including family businesses, professional services, public sector bodies, owner‑managed companies, landlords, entrepreneurs and private clients.

All of our trainees who qualify with Hamlyns finish their studies with more than just the qualifications they need; they gain experience in the profession that cannot be obtained at many larger firms. This is an office‑based role at our Woking head office, with on‑site parking available and a standard pension scheme after the probationary period.

The Training Programme

You will be interacting with and learning how to support clients across a broad range of industries, as well as seeing how business works through first‑hand experience. Soft skills are the part of success that most trainees miss out on — so we will make sure you develop the commercial judgement and professional network that will stay with you for the rest of your career. Alongside this you will learn how to deal with scenarios you simply cannot experience in a classroom or as part of a large competitive team.

We support you throughout your studies, working towards a professional tax qualification, and we will share our high record of exam success with you by offering:

• High‑quality Training — we use top external study courses and study support to help you pass your qualification;
• Mentoring — our qualified staff have been through their professional exams and are eager to provide expert guidance and tuition;
• Progression Tracking — regular progress meetings make sure you are on track and help you develop and evolve;
• Full Study Support — external study courses, paid study and exam leave, textbooks and study materials, and internal mentoring and review;
• Early careers development — we train you to excel at your job and develop the soft skills needed to progress in your career.

Your work will include assisting with the preparation of personal tax returns; helping clients gather the information needed for their returns; preparing schedules for employment income, self‑employment income, rental income, dividends, interest and capital gains; assisting with P11D preparation; learning to review HMRC records, tax codes and statements of account; preparing client correspondence and file notes; assisting with basic tax research; and supporting colleagues with private client, owner‑managed business and compliance work.

What do I need to apply?

You do not need to know tax before you start, but you must be able to show the academic ability, motivation and discipline needed to study while working full time. Successful applicants will need the following:

• A minimum upper second‑class degree (2:1) from a UK university;
• 3 A levels (grades A–C) with a minimum of 120 UCAS points under the new tariff, excluding General Studies;
• GCSE Maths and English at grade B / grade 6 or above;
• A genuine interest in tax and professional services;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and good attention to detail;
• Good judgement, problem‑solving ability and a positive, collaborative attitude;
• A valid full UK driving licence and access to a car desirable;
• The right to work in the UK for more than 3 years — sponsorship is not available for this role.

This role is 100% office‑based in Woking. Due to the nature of the role, the study requirements and the cost of living in the area, applicants must already be established within approximately 30 minutes’ commute of our office. We are unable to support relocation, and this is not a remote role. All applicants will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK.