At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tax compliance and advisory projects while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Dynamic corporate tax team with a diverse client portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit-sharing, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Structured training, mentorship, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and kickstart your career in corporate tax.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree or equivalent, strong A Levels, and GCSE Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our corporate tax team as a trainee studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification.
We encourage applications from recent graduates or career changers. No prior relevant work experience is required.
A three‑and‑a‑half‑year training contract with full support and access to tuition centres. AAT Level 4 qualification may provide exemptions; otherwise trainees complete the full ACA/CTA. Studying alongside a cohort enhances exam success.
The team manages a diverse portfolio of clients across manufacturing, technology, retail, recruitment, financial services, hospitality and property. Work includes corporation tax compliance: preparing returns, computations, advising on payment dates, and handling administrative matters. Post‑qualification opportunities include assistance in tax advisory projects. The environment is fast‑paced and expanding nationwide.
Your Role and Development
As a Tax Trainee, you will receive support from experienced professionals and gradually be introduced to technical and advisory work. You will gain hands‑on experience while building your knowledge of corporate tax compliance and advisory services. Structured training, mentorship, off‑site programmes and social events support your development.
You’ll Be Involved In
- Supporting the tax compliance process, including assistance with tax accounting and learning how tax returns are prepared.
- Contributing to technical research and responding to client and internal team queries.
- Identifying advisory opportunities within client portfolios and contributing to tax planning discussions.
- Learning about complex tax areas such as capital allowances, R&D tax relief, transfer pricing and international tax, guided by experienced team members.
- Assisting in stand‑alone tax advisory projects, including structuring acquisitions and disposals, transaction support and due diligence.
What You’ll Need
- 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline, or equivalent.
- Minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
What We’ll Offer You
- Competitive salary
- Profit‑sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
- Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements
- Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)
Work Life Balance & Wellbeing
- Buddy scheme and line‑manager support
- Agile working policy (up to three days working from home; initial months encourage up to four days in office)
- Health assessments, GP access and cancer screenings
- Access to mental health and wellbeing resources
Personal Development and Belonging
- Mentorship and career progression opportunities
- Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programmes
- Volunteering in People networks (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women)
Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - January 2027 employer: Saffery
Join a dynamic and supportive environment in High Wycombe as a Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee, where you will receive comprehensive training towards the ACA/CTA qualification. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured mentorship, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on wellbeing, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally. With a diverse client portfolio and opportunities for involvement in exciting tax advisory projects, this role offers a meaningful start to your career in corporate tax.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - January 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 Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - January 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.
