At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with tax returns and compliance filings for diverse clients.
- Company: Join Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich heritage in accountancy.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, mentorship, and social events to build connections.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse backgrounds and career changers.
- Why this job: Launch your career in tax with real-world experience and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and minimum UCAS points required; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Are you looking to start your career in tax, helping businesses or individuals manage their tax arrangements, comply with tax regulations and make informed financial decisions? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA/CTA joint 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. As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, we’ve got access to local insight on a global scale. 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 and three months 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. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on more responsibility, contribute to more complex areas of work and build your confidence working directly with clients.
If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise, we ask for all trainees to complete the full ACA/CTA syllabus. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
About the teams
We have two teams we are recruiting into. Whilst there is significant overlap in the technical skills built across these areas of Tax, you'll be aligned to one specific team, so please use the motivational questions within the 'About You' section of your application form to tell us which client group you are most interested in and why!
- Corporates Group: The Corporate Group works with a diverse range of clients across multiple sectors, including professional services, financial services, manufacturing, technology, retail, recruitment, hospitality, property, charities and education. Clients range from entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses to large UK listed and international groups, as well as charities and not-for-profit organisations. The team provides a broad range of audit, tax, compliance and advisory services, supporting businesses at all stages of their growth and development.
- Film, TV and Video Games Group: This team works with a diverse range of clients across the creative industries, including film and television production companies, video game developers, major studios, streaming platforms and specialist service providers. Clients range from owner-managed businesses and independent producers to large multinational organisations. The team provides audit, tax and advisory services, supporting clients operating in a dynamic and fast-evolving sector.
Key dates to apply: Monday 14 September 2026 to Sunday 4 October 2026. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, as roles may close early due to high demand. Due to the volume of applications, you may occasionally experience delays; however, we remain committed to reviewing all applications fairly. All applications are assessed by trained human reviewers, and automated tools are not used to make final decisions.
Your role and development
Your growth doesn't just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning. 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 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.
Depending on your team, you may also have opportunities to:
- Support creative industry clients with film and television tax credit claims and related submissions.
- Work on specialist corporate 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.
Depending on your team, you may also gain experience in:
- Corporate tax compliance, reporting and tax planning opportunities.
- Film and TV tax reliefs, tax credit claims and the specialist tax issues affecting the creative industries.
Don't see a team that matches your interests just yet? We have several other specialist teams across Saffery, including Personal Tax, Transfer Pricing (International Tax), Indirect (VAT) Tax, Capital Allowances and Employment Tax. Visit our Live Vacancies page to explore all current opportunities and find the role that's right for you. If you're still unsure, we’d be happy to discuss options with you throughout the process.
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. If you have completed AAT studies (up to Level 4) in place of Highers or A Levels, please detail this under the A Level section on your application form. If you have over 12 months relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, we recommend exploring part-qualified opportunities on our Experienced Hire vacancy page. We understand that confidence plays a role in job applications, and some candidates may hesitate to apply. If this role excites you and aligns with your career ambitions, we’d love to hear from you!
Graduate Corporate Tax (ACA/CTA) - London - 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 Corporate Tax (ACA/CTA) - London - September 2027
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Saffery Champness. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Corporate Tax (ACA/CTA) - London - September 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Saffery Champness.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Saffery Champness's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Saffery Champness.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Saffery Champness will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Saffery Champness employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
