At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals manage their tax affairs while gaining valuable experience and qualifications.
- Company: Join Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich heritage and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, profit-sharing, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career progression and support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Personal Tax with mentorship and real-world learning opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and strong A Level results; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Are you looking to start your career in Personal Tax, helping individuals manage their tax affairs with confidence? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA tax pathway qualification.
Who we are
Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, we’ve built long-term relationships with our diverse, high-profile clients, across varied and specialised sectors. We pride ourselves on our informal and inclusive culture, building an environment where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers.
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. Our training contract takes three years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. You’ll follow a structured development programme combining professional study with on-the-job learning. If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise, we ask for all trainees to complete the full ATT/CTA syllabus.
Your role and development
Your growth doesn't just come from exams. It comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning. The team delivers exceptional quality compliance and advisory services to a wide range of high net worth private clients, including those with UK and offshore interests, property owners, business owners, partnerships and trusts.
What you’ll do
- Assist with tax returns, computations and other compliance filings for a range of clients.
- Work with financial and client data to support reporting, analysis and submissions.
- Use specialist software and systems to deliver high-quality tax work.
- Carry out technical research and support client projects, queries and advisory work.
- Prepare reports, calculations and documentation for review by senior colleagues.
- Build relationships with clients and colleagues while gaining exposure to a variety of industries and sectors.
- Contribute to delivering accurate, practical solutions that help clients meet their tax obligations and achieve their goals.
- Work on specialist personal tax planning projects.
What you’ll learn
- Core tax principles, legislation and regulatory requirements.
- How tax rules apply to different clients and business situations.
- How to analyse financial information and prepare tax returns, calculations and technical documentation.
- The role tax plays in compliance, advisory work and business decision-making.
- How to communicate technical information effectively.
- The practical application of your professional qualification studies in a real-world environment.
We’ll support you every step of the way through mentorship, structured training, and our off-site trainee programmes as well as regular social events to build friendships with colleagues.
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 Highers (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
- A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE or National 5 Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified. If you have completed AAT studies (up to Level 4) in place of A Levels or Highers, please detail this under the A Level, Scottish Highers (or equivalent) qualifications section on your application form.
Where potential meets personal meets you
At Saffery, we look for people who share our values. We're looking for individuals who are collaborative, responsible, progressive and act with integrity, whilst always striving for excellence. You'll be approachable, committed and ready to take ownership of your work, with a proactive and curious mindset and a genuine interest in how businesses operate.
What we’ll offer you
- Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year).
- Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements.
- Contributory pension plan (5% salary match).
- Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings.
- Access to mental health & wellbeing resources.
Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2027 employer: Saffery Champness
Saffery LLP is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a flexible hybrid working policy and a supportive work culture. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the firm fosters an environment where every individual can thrive, while providing excellent benefits such as a contributory pension scheme and a profit-sharing plan. Located in London, this role as a Senior Data Analyst not only allows for professional development through challenging projects but also connects you with a global network of industry leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2027
✨Get Involved in Relevant Forums
Engage with tax advisory forums and communities, like TPR (Tax Policy Response) or local tax professionals' groups. This will not only help you to stay updated on the latest in tax law but can also connect you with professionals who might just be looking for a fresh trainee like you!
✨Leverage University Resources
Most universities have fantastic career services, especially for trainee roles in consulting. Attend career fairs and workshops they host, and make the most of any industry connections they offer. Don't forget to reach out to your professors—they often have valuable contacts in the tax advisory space.
✨Ace Those Informational Interviews
Set up casual chats with tax advisors or consultants working in the industry. This is your chance to ask them what they love about their work and the skills required. It shows you're genuinely interested and can often lead to insider tips or even direct referrals to roles like the one at Saffery Champness.
✨Look for Workshops and Training Events
Keep an eye on tax advisory workshops and training events—these are gold mines for networking and skill-building. Participating in these can help you get noticed and potentially put you ahead of the competition when applying for trainee roles at places like Saffery Champness.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In the tax advisory and consulting field, we love to see solid academic performance. Share your grades, relevant coursework, and any certifications you might have, like a tax qualification or accounting modules. These details help demonstrate that you’ve got the theoretical knowledge to back up your ambitions!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you’re just starting out, any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work related to finance or tax can set you apart. Make sure to include any practical experience you've gained, as it shows us you're already familiar with the field and how it operates!
Express Your Interest and Motivation:When writing your cover letter, be sure to convey why you’re excited about this trainee position at Saffery Champness. Share what drives you towards tax advisory and consulting. It’s all about showing us your passion and your potential to grow within this role!
Polish Up Your CV Format:In tax advisory, clarity and organisation are key! Make your CV easy to read with a clear structure and headings. We recommend having a skills section that highlights analytical skills and attention to detail. This is super important in our field, as we frequently deal with complex information that needs precision!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness
✨Understand the Tax Landscape
Dive deep into the current tax regulations and trends that your potential clients might be facing. Knowing the intricacies of tax law, recent changes, or upcoming reforms will show Saffery Champness that you're passionate and informed, which is crucial for a trainee in tax advisory.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to tackle some case study scenarios or hypothetical tax issues during the interview. Practising how to break down complex financial information and present clear solutions will help us demonstrate our analytical abilities, which is key in tax advisory consulting.
✨Emphasise Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, the company is mainly interested in your potential rather than your experience. Highlight instances when you’ve quickly adapted to new information or processes in past academic or work settings - this will help illustrate your motivation and ability to grow in the role at Saffery Champness.
✨Be Prepared for Compliance Questions
Expect questions about tax compliance and different tax strategies. Having an understanding of how these can impact businesses will demonstrate your commitment to the field and readiness to contribute positively at Saffery Champness as you kick off your career.
