Tax Trainee

Location: On site / Southend-on-Sea, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Tax & Practice | General Practice

Salary: Negotiable salary

Role based in Leigh on Sea, Essex. Affinia is the UK’s largest purpose‑led, purpose‑built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1,000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities. We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines - Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery.

Our team also offer in‑depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long‑term advice, tailored to them. We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations. Our people are our most valuable asset. We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Purpose of the role

As a Tax Trainee you will form part of a growing, successful team preparing and delivering high‑quality services to clients. You will work with a broad range of clients, ranging from individuals to businesses covering several sectors. You will be helping taxpayers stay compliant with their relevant reporting obligations, assist them in managing their tax positions and mitigate their tax exposure. You’ll likely be studying for your ATT or CTA qualification / membership, which we will support you with. We operate a hybrid working model, however, as a trainee it’s important to be with your peers and managers as much as possible to maximise your learning and experience. As such you will likely work from a combination of your local office(s) and client premises, plus time at college as required. We provide both technical/hard and ‘soft’ skills training through platforms such as Tolley’s, Mercia, Croner‑i and LinkedIn Learning. You'll gain hands‑on client experience, so in your first year especially we’ll equip you with training on essential skills like making a positive first impression, mastering effective time management techniques, and enhancing your communication skills – all of which you’ll be able to put into practice. Fully funded professional qualification for this role: Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) / Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).

Key Tasks and Accountabilities

• The focus in your first year will be learning from others and via professional study.
• You will be working as part of a team and able to observe and experience best practice in action.
• You will be given tasks and responsibilities that match your level of ability and understanding, including, but not limited to:
• Assist with the preparation of Tax Returns and computations.
• Develop an understanding of core UK tax legislation and its application.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions on tax matters.
• Participate in training and development activities to enhance tax knowledge.
• Always adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Support with other administrative tasks as required.

Professional Skills / Qualifications

• A degree is not essential but may be advantageous (e.g. in Accounting, Tax, Finance, Business, Data Science) as you will have the opportunity to study and gain a professionally recognised qualification.
• A‑levels (or equivalent) in Maths and/or English may be advantageous but are not essential.
• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (Level 5 and above), which must include Maths and English Language.
• Have clear written and spoken communication skills.
• IT‑literate with experience of Microsoft Office products.
• Enjoy collaborating with people.
• Enjoy learning both formally and “on the job.”

Core Benefits

• Full study support
• Holiday purchase scheme up to 3 days per year
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Extensive Learning & Development Opportunities
• Dress for your Diary Policy.

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion, or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.