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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tax compliance and advisory projects while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Saffery, a leading firm with a diverse client portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, profit-sharing, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in corporate tax with full support and mentorship.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and strong A Level results required; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant team culture with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) – Leeds – September 2026. Join to apply for the Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee role at Saffery. Start your career in corporate tax while studying towards the ACA/CTA joint 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 and a half years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for all trainees to complete the full ACA. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
About The Team
The team handles a large portfolio of companies across sectors including manufacturing, technology, retail, recruitment, financial services, hospitality and property. Clients range from smaller owner-managed businesses to large, complex listed groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations. You’ll work in a fast-paced environment on corporation tax compliance, including preparation of corporation tax returns and computations, advising on payment dates, and other administrative matters. You’ll also have the opportunity to assist in tax advisory projects as you qualify and progress. The team is expanding rapidly nationwide.
Key Dates To Apply
- Window 1: 15 September to 3 October 2025
- Window 2: 3 November to 21 November 2025
We encourage early applications. Delays may occur due to high volume, but all submissions are reviewed fairly.
Your role and development
Your growth comes from practical work and real-world learning. As a Tax Trainee, you’ll be supported by experienced professionals and gradually exposed to a wide range of technical and advisory work, gaining hands-on experience in corporate tax compliance and advisory services.
What You Can Expect To Be Involved In
- Supporting the tax compliance process, including assisting with tax accounting and learning how tax returns are prepared and submitted
- Technical research and responses to client queries and internal questions
- Identifying advisory opportunities within client portfolios and contributing to tax planning discussions
- Gaining insight into areas such as capital allowances, R&D relief, transfer pricing, and international tax with guidance from experienced team members
- Assisting in stand-alone tax advisory projects, including structuring acquisitions and disposals, transaction support and due diligence
We’ll support you with mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and regular social events.
What You’ll Need
- 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline
- A minimum of 120 UCAS points from 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. Include qualification details in the academic section. If you have over 12 months of relevant experience in a training contract at another firm, consider our Experienced Hire vacancies.
What We’ll Offer You
- Competitive salary & paid overtime or time off in lieu
- Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
- Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
- Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)
- Buddy scheme and/or line manager support
- Agile working policy (up to three days from home; first few months may require in-office attendance to maximise training)
- Health assessments, GP access & cancer screenings
- Access to mental health & wellbeing resources
- Mentorship & career progression opportunities
- Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
- Opportunity to join People networks (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Women)
Ready to start your journey?
Explore Life At Saffery & Apply Today
Additional information
- Before submitting your application, review our recruitment process by visiting How to apply – Saffery
- Practice psychometric tests and prepare for a competency-based interview
- You can apply to one programme per recruitment season; if not successful, you can try again next September
- If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances, contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com
- We’re committed to fair assessment and will provide reasonable adjustments on request
- If invited for an in-person interview, travel expenses will be reimbursed
- If offered a place, please avoid booking annual leave around your start date to ensure onboarding
We’re unlocking community knowledge and insights through our programs. This description is provided for candidate information only.
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Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - Leeds - September 2026 employer: Saffery
Contact Detail:
Saffery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - Leeds - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Saffery on LinkedIn or through university connections. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for tax trainees and practice your responses. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for corporate tax! During interviews, share any relevant projects or coursework that sparked your interest in tax. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have tips and resources available there to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - Leeds - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee role. We want to see your passion for corporate tax and how you can contribute to our team!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements: Don’t forget to include your academic qualifications, especially your degree and A Levels. If you’re AAT qualified, let us know! We love seeing what you’ve accomplished so far.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for genuine candidates who are excited about starting their career in tax. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. We want to get to know the real you!
Apply Early: Our application windows can get busy, so it’s best to apply as soon as you can. This way, you’ll avoid any last-minute stress and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
✨Know Your Tax Basics
Brush up on your understanding of corporate tax fundamentals. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like corporation tax compliance, capital allowances, and R&D relief. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've tackled challenges in your studies or previous roles. Think of examples where you identified issues and proposed solutions, especially in a team setting. This is crucial as the role involves assisting with client queries and tax planning discussions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the training programme, mentorship opportunities, and the types of clients you'll be working with. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Competency-Based Questions
Since the interview may include competency-based questions, practice articulating your experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you structure your answers clearly and effectively, showcasing your skills and experiences relevant to the role.
