At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Capital Allowances team and help businesses maximise tax relief on commercial properties.
- Company: Saffery, a people-focused accountancy firm with a rich heritage since 1855.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong focus on personal development and teamwork.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in tax while exploring property and construction in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and minimum UCAS points; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Your future starts here. Are you interested in tax but also curious about property, construction and the built environment? We're seeking ambitious individuals to join our specialist Capital Allowances team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA joint qualification. You'll help businesses identify valuable tax relief on commercial buildings and capital investment projects, developing expertise in a highly specialised area that supports clients across the firm.
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.
About The Programme: 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. 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.
About The Team: The Capital Allowances team specialises in helping clients identify and maximise valuable tax relief on commercial property and capital expenditure. Unlike many areas of tax, the focus is not on preparing corporation tax computations or tax returns, but on understanding how buildings, refurbishments and investment projects can qualify for tax relief. The team supports clients across the UK and works closely with colleagues throughout Saffery's national network, providing specialist expertise to a wide range of tax-paying entities including companies, partnerships and landed estates.
Key Dates To Apply: Monday 14 September 2026 to Sunday 20 September 2026. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, as roles may close early due to high demand.
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:
- Support the preparation of Capital Allowances analyses and claims for a diverse range of clients.
- Review financial records, property information, building plans and project documentation to identify qualifying expenditure.
- Assist in calculating the tax relief available on commercial buildings, refurbishments and development projects.
- Conduct technical research into Capital Allowances legislation and emerging tax developments.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Saffery's national offices to provide specialist advice and support.
- Help prepare reports, calculations and technical documentation for review by senior team members.
- Build relationships with clients and gain exposure to a wide range of industries, property types and investment projects.
- Contribute to delivering practical solutions that help clients maximise available tax relief.
What You'll Learn:
- How Capital Allowances legislation applies to commercial property and business investment.
- How to identify qualifying expenditure within buildings, acquisitions, refurbishments and development projects.
- The role Capital Allowances plays in improving cash flow and supporting business growth.
- How specialist tax relief claims are prepared and supported with robust technical analysis.
- How to analyse financial, legal and property-related information to reach practical conclusions.
- How specialist advisory teams support clients alongside broader tax and accounting services.
- How to communicate technical tax concepts clearly and effectively to clients and 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. 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.
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: We believe that supporting our people leads to success, so we provide both core and flexible benefits tailored to your needs:
- Competitive salary
- Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
- Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
- Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)
What To Know Before You Apply: Before submitting your application, take some time to familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting How to apply - Saffery. We also recommend practising psychometric tests and learning more about how to approach a face-to-face, competency-based interview.
Graduate Capital Allowances Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA) - London - September 2027 employer: Saffery
Saffery LLP is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture in the vibrant city of Bristol. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer numerous opportunities for professional development, including leadership roles and participation in our annual tax conference. Our commitment to work-life balance and a diverse portfolio of clients ensures that you will find meaningful and rewarding challenges in your role as a Corporate Tax Manager.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Capital Allowances Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA) - London - 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.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Capital Allowances Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA) - London - 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. 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
✨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 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.
✨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 as you kick off your career.
