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: Enjoy profit-sharing, flexible work, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture where your individuality is valued and supported.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Corporate Tax with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: 120 UCAS points and strong GCSEs in Maths and English required.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Are you looking to start your career in Corporate Tax, helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex tax landscape? 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. 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.
Who we welcome
We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from upcoming and recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.
Our training contract takes four and a half 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. As your knowledge and confidence develop, you’ll take on more complex work, contribute to projects and build your expertise as a trusted advisor.
Our bespoke School Leaver Programme, developed with Kaplan, includes a six-week business simulation designed to build key professional skills such as teamwork, decision‑making and leadership. Kaplan has successfully delivered this programme for several years and it has consistently received excellent feedback from participants.
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.
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. It comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning.
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.
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.
- Corporate tax compliance, reporting and tax planning opportunities.
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
- 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. 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!
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. We value people who are organised, pay close attention to detail, enjoy working with financial data, and can manage their time effectively.
You’ll thrive in a close‑knit team environment, working collaboratively with others while taking responsibility for your own development. We want people who are willing to learn, ask questions, speak up when something could be better, and help make improvements happen. Here, you're never just a number. We value drive, focus and a positive attitude, but we also value who you are as a person. We believe in caring more, leaving egos behind, supporting each other and enjoying the journey together. There's genuine 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 we also look for people who are naturally inquisitive about the wider business and economic landscape. If you're curious, eager to learn, and committed to giving your best, you'll find plenty of support and opportunities to succeed as you work towards your qualification and beyond. You’ll be surrounded by people who value you, your contributions, and your potential.
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 Gender Equality
School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/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 School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/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 School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/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.
