At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Private Client Tax Trainee and gain hands-on experience in tax compliance.
- Company: Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich history and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Participate in social events and diverse inclusion programmes while building your career.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in tax with mentorship and real-world learning opportunities.
- Qualifications: 120 UCAS points and GCSE Maths and English at grade 6 or B.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
About the Role
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.
Who We Welcome
We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from recent school leavers 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.
Key Dates To Apply
19 December 2025 – 11 January 2026. Please note that the next stage of our recruitment process (psychometric testing) will be paused from 19 December 2025 until 11 January 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted during this period, and candidates may then be invited to complete a psychometric test in mid‑January 2026. We hope this pause provides you with time to enjoy the holiday season or prepare for upcoming exams.
Your Role and Development
Your growth doesn’t just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning. The Tax Services Group (TSG) is a national team operating across our nine UK offices. The team delivers exceptional quality compliance and advisory services to a wide range of high net worth private clients. These include those with UK and offshore interests, property owners, business owners, partnerships and trusts. Personal tax professionals help individuals to pay the right amount of tax to keep them compliant – work dealing with tax returns and the reporting of tax to the Revenue authorities such as HMRC is called tax compliance. You’ll work in a friendly and progressive team, involved in tasks such as preparing and filing tax returns, carrying out manual reconciliation of tax liabilities and liaising with clients over the phone or in person. The client base is varied and includes clients who are both domestic and international, so we guarantee an exciting and complex portfolio. 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
- 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.
What We’ll Offer You
Financial Support & Flexibility
- 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)
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 for example Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women
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. When you work with Saffery, the well‑respected accountancy firm where heritage meets ambition, you work with people who know your name. Who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always.
Ready to start your journey? Explore Life At Saffery & Apply Today.
What To Know Before You Apply
Before submitting your application, take some time to familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting How to apply - Saffery. We also recommend practising psychometric tests and learning more about 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, we’d love for you to try again when applications re‑open next September for the following year. If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances (such as bereavement, mental health challenges, or any other unforeseen situation), that may have impacted your academic performance, please reach out to us before you submit an application – EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by including the details in the relevant section on the application form. We’re committed to assessing all applicants fairly and want to do everything we can to support your success throughout the process. If you are selected for an in‑person interview, we will provide reimbursement for your travel expenses. More information on what we cover will be shared at this stage of the process. If you're offered a place at Saffery, we kindly recommend holding off on booking any annual leave around your expected start date. This helps ensure you don’t miss out on important training and onboarding sessions that will set you up for success.
Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026 employer: Saffery
Saffery is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a flexible working week, generous leave policy, and comprehensive health benefits, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful compliance efforts in the financial sector. The London location provides unique networking opportunities and exposure to a diverse client base, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in financial crime compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026
✨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 Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026
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.
