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- Tasks: Join our team as a trainee in Private Client Tax and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich history since 1855.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, mentorship, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with full support towards ATT/CTA qualification.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and minimum UCAS points required; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal development and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you looking to start your career in Private Client Tax? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA qualification.
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.
Our training contract takes three years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres.
Key Dates To Apply
- Window 1: 15 September to 3 October 2025
- Window 2: 3 November to 21 November 2025
- Window 3: 3 February to 13 February 2026
Your growth comes not only from exams, but also from valuable work experience and real-world learning. Within the Private Client Group at Saffery, the Private Client Business team looks after businesses and their owners. These entities may be owned or controlled by individuals, Trustees or form part of a wider group structure. We handle compliance (accounts, audits, routine tax affairs) and provide advice on capital tax, succession planning and business valuation, looking at the business and individuals as a whole. We also support our clients and work closely across the Private Client Group. 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 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. Please apply as usual and be sure to include your qualification details in the academic section. If however, 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.
At Saffery, we look for people who share our values — those who are collaborative, enthusiastic, and act with integrity while always striving for excellence. You’ll be approachable and committed, ready to take ownership and go the extra mile to deliver our signature service. You won’t hesitate to speak up when something could be better and you’ll help to make it happen. We value drive, focus, and a positive attitude. Here, you’re never just a number. You’re valued for who you are. We want your personality and style to shine, because we believe in caring more and letting egos take a back seat. We work hard, we support each other, and we enjoy the journey together. You’ll thrive in a close-knit team that takes pride in delivering high quality work. There’s real mutual respect here and a two-way relationship where we bring out the best in each other. We’ll help you get to know our clients, but it’s even better if you’re already curious about the broader economic landscape they operate in. Do your research. Ask questions. Be inquisitive. We know the ATT/CTA exams are demanding, and we’ll be right there to support you every step of the way. Your commitment will play a big part in our continued success. You’ll be surrounded by people who value you, your contributions, and your potential.
We understand that confidence plays a role in job applications, and some candidates may hesitate to apply. If this role excites you and aligns with your career ambitions, we’d love to hear from you!
What We’ll Offer You
- 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; in the first few months we encourage up to four days in the office to reap the benefits of training)
- Health assessments, GP access, and 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 (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women)
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. When you work with Saffery, you work with people who know your name and who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always.
Ready to start your journey?
Before submitting your application, familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting How to apply - Saffery. We also recommend practising psychometric tests and learning how to approach a face-to-face, competency-based interview. This will help you feel confident and prepared to show your best self. You can apply to just one of our programmes during each recruitment season. If your application isn’t successful this time, try again when applications re-open next September for the following year. If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances that may have impacted your academic performance, please reach out to us before you submit an application. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know in the application form. We’re committed to assessing all applicants fairly and want to support your success throughout the process. If you are selected for an in-person interview, we will reimburse travel expenses. More information will be shared at this stage. If you are offered a place at Saffery, we recommend holding off on booking annual leave around your expected start date to ensure you don’t miss training and onboarding sessions.
Graduate Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Leeds - September 2026 employer: Saffery
Contact Detail:
Saffery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Leeds - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Saffery, their values, and the Private Client Tax sector. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for competency-based interviews by thinking of examples from your experiences that showcase your skills and values. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and worked with others.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about asking questions during your interview! It shows your curiosity and eagerness to learn. Plus, it’s a great way to find out if Saffery is the right fit for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, signing up for job alerts means you won’t miss out on any opportunities that pop up throughout the year.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Leeds - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Show us what makes you unique and how you align with our values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Graduate Private Client Tax Trainee role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, even if they’re from different fields, to show us why you’re a great fit.
Do Your Research: Take some time to learn about Saffery and the Private Client Tax sector. Mentioning specific insights or questions in your application can really impress us and show your genuine interest.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, as spots may fill up quickly. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of Private Client Tax. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, recent changes in tax legislation, and the services offered by the firm. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Your Personality
Saffery values individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be approachable and enthusiastic, and share your unique experiences that demonstrate your commitment and drive. Remember, they want to see who you are beyond your qualifications.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the role, the team, or the firm's approach to client relationships. This shows your curiosity and genuine interest in the position. It’s also a great way to assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse common interview questions and your responses, focusing on your strengths and how they relate to the role. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you'll feel on the day!
