At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your career in corporate tax with hands-on experience and real-world learning.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding team in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous leave, and a profit-sharing scheme.
- Other info: Mentorship and career progression opportunities available in a close-knit team.
- Why this job: Gain valuable qualifications while working on diverse projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and strong A Level results required; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you looking to start your career in corporate tax? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification.
Who we welcome
We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from recent graduates or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.
About the programme
Our training contract takes three and a half years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise, we ask all trainees to complete the full ACA/CTA. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
About the team
The team deals with a large portfolio of companies operating in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, technology, retail, recruitment, financial services, hospitality and property. These clients range from smaller owner-managed businesses to large and complex listed groups, as well as charities and not-for-profit organisations. You'll work in a fast-paced environment on corporation tax compliance, including preparation of corporation tax returns and computations, advising on payment dates and dealing with all other administrative matters. In addition to compliance work, you’ll also have the opportunity to assist in tax advisory projects once you qualify and progress. As your understanding of taxation issues grows, so will the complexity of your workload. This is an exciting time to join our team which is expanding rapidly nationwide.
Your role and development
Your growth doesn’t just come from exams; it comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning. As a Tax Trainee, you’ll be supported by experienced professionals and gradually introduced to a wide range of technical and advisory work. You’ll gain hands-on experience while building your knowledge of corporate tax compliance and advisory services.
You can expect to be involved in:
- Supporting the tax compliance process, including assisting with tax accounting and learning how tax returns are prepared and submitted.
- Helping with technical research and assisting in responses to client queries and internal team questions.
- Learning how to identify advisory opportunities within client portfolios and contributing to tax planning discussions.
- Gaining insight into complex tax areas, such as capital allowances, R&D tax relief, transfer pricing, and international tax, with guidance from experienced team members.
- Assisting with stand-alone tax advisory projects, including learning about structuring acquisitions and disposals, transaction support, and due diligence.
What you'll need
- 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline.
- A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
- A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
- We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified.
What we'll offer you
We believe that supporting our people leads to success, so we provide both core and flexible benefits tailored to your needs:
- Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
- Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
- Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)
Work life balance & wellbeing
- Buddy scheme and/or line manager support
- Agile working policy (up to three days working from home, however in your first few months we do encourage up to 4 days in the office to reap the benefits of training around your managers and colleagues)
- Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings
- Access to mental health & wellbeing resources
Personal development and belonging
- Mentorship & career progression opportunities
- Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
- Volunteer to join one of our People networks including Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women
Values & culture
We look for people who share our values – collaborative, enthusiastic, integrity, and excellence. We value drive, focus, and a positive attitude. Our team is close-knit, caring, and supportive, and we work hard together to deliver high quality work.
Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - January 2027 employer: Saffery Champness
Join a dynamic and supportive team in High Wycombe as a Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee, where you'll receive comprehensive training towards your ACA/CTA qualification. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our mentorship programmes, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on work-life balance, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally. With a diverse portfolio of clients and a collaborative culture, this is an excellent opportunity for ambitious individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in corporate tax.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - January 2027
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. It’s all about making connections that can help us get our foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to corporate tax. We want to show our enthusiasm and knowledge, so let’s nail those responses!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture and values. We need to align our answers with what they stand for, showing we’re not just a good fit for the role but for the team too.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and ready to take that first step.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - January 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your analytical abilities and attention to detail.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for corporate tax and why you want to join our team. Share your journey, whether you're a recent grad or making a career change, and let us know what excites you about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Academic Achievements:Since we’re looking for candidates with a strong academic background, don’t forget to mention your degree and any relevant qualifications. If you’ve got AAT Level 4 or other achievements, make them stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness
✨Know Your Tax Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of corporate tax. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like corporation tax compliance, capital allowances, and R&D tax relief. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've tackled challenges in your studies or previous roles. Think of examples where you identified a problem and came up with a solution, especially in a team setting. This aligns well with the collaborative culture they value.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the training programme, mentorship opportunities, and the types of clients you'll be working with. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this role is aimed at graduates and career changers, highlight your eagerness to learn and grow. Share any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your commitment to developing your skills in corporate tax and how you plan to tackle the ACA/CTA qualification.
