Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ICAS/CTA) - Edinburgh - September 2027

Your future starts here. 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 ICAS/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.

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 develop, you’ll take on more complex work, contribute to projects and build your expertise as a trusted advisor. If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise, we ask for all trainees to complete the full ICAS/CTA syllabus. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.

Key Dates To Apply

Monday 14 September 2026 - Sunday 4 October 2026

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

• 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline.
• 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.

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.

What We’ll Offer You

• Financial support & flexibility
• Competitive salary
• 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