Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - January 2027

Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - January 2027

Trainee 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Saffery

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support tax compliance, prepare returns, and assist with client queries in a creative industry team.
  • Company: Join Saffery, a collaborative firm supporting the Film, TV, and Video Games sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible work, generous leave, and a contributory pension plan.
  • Other info: Mentorship, career progression, and a vibrant team culture await you!
  • Why this job: Gain valuable experience in corporate tax while working on exciting projects in the creative sector.
  • Qualifications: 2:1 degree or equivalent, strong A Levels, and GCSE Maths and English at grade 6 or B.

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

We’re looking for ambitious individuals to join our corporate tax team as trainees studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification. The training contract lasts three and a half years and includes full support from tuition centres. AAT Level 4 qualified candidates are eligible for exemptions. All trainees complete the full ACA.

The Film, TV and Video Games group supports creative sector clients. You will work within a creative‑industry focused team under the national Corporate Tax team, helping clients navigate tax incentives. Transfer to other teams is possible if the chosen team is filled.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 7 June 2026.
  • The anticipated start date is early January.

Responsibilities

  • Support the tax compliance process, including tax accounting and preparing tax returns.
  • Assist with technical research and respond to client queries and internal questions.
  • Identify advisory opportunities within client portfolios and contribute to tax planning discussions.
  • Gain insight into complex tax areas such as capital allowances, R&D tax relief, transfer pricing, and international tax.
  • Assist in stand‑alone tax advisory projects – structuring acquisitions and disposals, transaction support, and due diligence.
  • For the Film, TV and Video Games team, prepare tax credit claims for production companies and the associated filing requirements.

Qualifications

  • 2:1 undergraduate degree (in any discipline) or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels (or equivalent).
  • Minimum grade 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language.
  • AAT qualification is welcome.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary; profit‑sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year).
  • Generous annual leave and flexible work arrangements.
  • Contributory pension plan (5% salary match).
  • Buddy scheme, agile working policy, health assessments, GP access, and cancer screenings.
  • Mentorship, career progression, and participation in the ED&I programme.
  • Volunteer to join one of our people networks (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women).

About Saffery & Our Values

We value collaboration, enthusiasm and integrity, and encourage ownership and continuous improvement. We support employees through mentorship, structured training, and social events. You will work in a close‑knit team that delivers high‑quality work and fosters a two‑way relationship of mutual respect and learning.

Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - January 2027 employer: Saffery

Saffery & is an exceptional employer for aspiring tax professionals, offering a supportive environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are at the forefront. With a focus on the creative industries, employees benefit from tailored mentorship, structured training, and flexible work arrangements, all while enjoying a competitive salary and generous annual leave. The vibrant London location provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse clients in the Film, TV, and Video Games sectors, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.

Saffery

Contact Details:

Saffery Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - January 2027

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees in the corporate tax team or related fields. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of tax incentives, especially in the creative sector. Show us you’re passionate about the industry and ready to dive into complex tax areas!

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - January 2027

Tax Compliance
Tax Accounting
Preparing Tax Returns
Technical Research
Client Query Response
Advisory Opportunities Identification
Tax Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the corporate tax field shine through. We want to see why you're excited about joining our team and how you can contribute to our creative sector clients.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and qualifications that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Use it to explain why you’re interested in the ACA/CTA qualification and how you can support our tax compliance process. Keep it engaging and personal!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee position. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery

Know Your Tax Basics

Brush up on your knowledge of corporate tax, especially areas like capital allowances and R&D tax relief. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the industry.

Showcase Your Team Spirit

Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlighting your ability to work well with diverse groups will resonate with their values of collaboration and mutual respect.

Prepare Questions About the Role

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training process for ACA/CTA or how the team supports creative sector clients. It shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework.

Demonstrate Your Passion for the Creative Sector

Since you'll be working with clients in the Film, TV, and Video Games industries, express your interest in these areas. Share any relevant experiences or projects that connect your background to the creative sector, making you a more appealing candidate.