At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Private Client Tax Trainee and gain hands-on experience in tax compliance.
- Company: Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich history since 1855.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with support for personal development and well-being.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in tax with mentorship and real-world learning opportunities.
- Qualifications: 120 UCAS points and strong GCSEs in Maths and English required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
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
- 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. 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 exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, perfect for those starting their career in Private Client Tax. With a strong emphasis on personal development through mentorship, structured training, and a variety of social events, employees can thrive both professionally and personally. Located in High Wycombe, the firm offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, making it an ideal place for ambitious individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Saffery. Understand their values, culture, and the kind of work they do. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try out some mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions for tax roles and think about how your skills can fit into the Private Client Tax space. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Saffery values a friendly and inclusive culture, so don’t be afraid to share a bit about yourself and what excites you about starting a career in tax.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to explore our company culture and values. Understanding what we stand for at Saffery will help you tailor your application and show us why you're a great fit!
Be Yourself:We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you who you are.
Show Your Ambition:As a Private Client Tax Trainee, we’re looking for ambitious individuals. Make sure to highlight your motivation for pursuing a career in tax and how you plan to grow with us during your training.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
✨Know Your Tax Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of private client tax. Familiarise yourself with key terms and concepts related to tax compliance and advisory services. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you engage in meaningful conversations with your interviewers.
✨Practice Psychometric Tests
Since psychometric testing is part of the recruitment process, take some time to practice these tests beforehand. There are plenty of online resources available that can help you get comfortable with the format and types of questions you might encounter. This preparation can boost your confidence and improve your performance.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and training opportunities. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
While technical knowledge is important, don't forget to highlight your soft skills during the interview. Communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial in a client-facing role. Share examples from your past experiences that illustrate how you've successfully worked with others or navigated challenges.
