Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026

Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026

Peterborough Trainee 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Saffery Champness

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Graduate Personal Tax Trainee and help clients navigate their tax obligations.
  • Company: Saffery, a people-focused accountancy firm with a rich heritage.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, profit-sharing, and comprehensive health support.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values your individuality and growth.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in tax with mentorship and real-world experience in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: 2:1 degree and strong A Level results; no prior experience needed!

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

Are you looking to start your career in Personal Tax? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA 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 years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres.

Key dates to apply

23 April 2026 - 30 April 2026

Your role and development

Your growth doesn’t just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning. The Personal Tax Services is a national team operating across our nine UK offices. The team delivers exceptional quality compliance and advisory services to a wide range of high net worth private clients. These include those with UK and offshore interests, property owners, business owners, partnerships and trusts. Personal tax professionals help individuals to pay the right amount of tax to keep them compliant – work dealing with tax returns and the reporting of tax to the Revenue authorities such as HMRC is called tax compliance.

You’ll work in a friendly and progressive team, involved in tasks such as preparing and filing tax returns, carrying out manual reconciliation of tax liabilities and liaising with clients over the phone or in person. The client base is varied and includes clients who are both domestic and international, so we guarantee an exciting and complex portfolio.

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 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. Please apply as usual and be sure to include your qualification details in the academic section. If however, 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.

Where potential meets personal meets you

At Saffery, we look for people who share our values – those who are collaborative, enthusiastic, and act with integrity while always striving for excellence. You’ll be approachable and committed, ready to take ownership and go the extra mile to deliver our signature service. You won’t hesitate to speak up when something could be better and you’ll help to make it happen. We value drive, focus, and a positive attitude.

Here, you’re never just a number. You’re valued for who you are. We want your personality and style to shine, because we believe in caring more and letting egos take a back seat. We work hard, we support each other, and we enjoy the journey together. You’ll thrive in a close‑knit team that takes pride in delivering high quality work. There’s real mutual respect here and a two‑way relationship where we bring out the best in each other.

We’ll help you get to know our clients, but it’s even better if you’re already curious about the broader economic landscape they operate in. Do your research. Ask questions. Be inquisitive.

We know the ATT/CTA exams are demanding, and we’ll be right there to support you every step of the way. Your commitment will play a big part in our continued success. You’ll be surrounded by people who value you, your contributions, and your potential.

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!

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 for example Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women

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. When you work with Saffery, the well‑respected accountancy firm where heritage meets ambition, you work with people who know your name. Who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always.

Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026 employer: Saffery Champness

At Saffery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values individuality and fosters a supportive work culture. Our Graduate Personal Tax Trainee programme offers comprehensive mentorship, structured training, and flexible benefits tailored to your needs, all within a close-knit team environment in Peterborough. With a commitment to employee growth and well-being, you'll thrive as you embark on a rewarding career path while building meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients alike.
Saffery Champness

Contact Detail:

Saffery Champness Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Saffery and understand their values, culture, and the type of clients they work with. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to personal tax and the ATT/CTA qualification. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026

Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Client Liaison
Tax Compliance Knowledge
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Curiosity
Time Management
Commitment to Professional Development
Integrity
Enthusiasm
Focus on Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Show us what makes you unique and how you align with our values of collaboration, enthusiasm, and integrity.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Graduate Personal Tax Trainee role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they’re not directly related to tax. We love seeing how your background can bring a fresh perspective to our team!

Do Your Research: Before hitting send, take some time to research Saffery and the personal tax landscape. Mentioning specific aspects of our work or values in your application shows us you’re genuinely interested and ready to dive into the role.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate – we promise!

How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of personal tax and the role you're applying for. Brush up on key terms like tax compliance and the ATT/CTA qualifications. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.

✨Show Your Curiosity

During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the company and its clients. Demonstrating curiosity about the economic landscape and how it affects personal tax can set you apart. It shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in the field.

✨Emphasise Your Values

Saffery values collaboration, enthusiasm, and integrity. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences that highlight these traits. Whether it's a group project or a personal challenge, showing how you embody these values can resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Practice Makes Perfect

Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. Practising common interview questions can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and reduce anxiety. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experiences and aspirations, the better you'll perform in the actual interview.

Graduate Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Saffery Champness
Location: Peterborough
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