School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - Leeds - September 2027
Saffery
Location
Leeds
Salary
Competitive
Duration
4.5 years
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Level 7
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
4 October 2026
Minimum grades
120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels or Highers (excluding General Studies and AS Levels), GCSE/National 5 Maths and English Language grade 6 or B
About the role
Join Saffery as a Corporate Tax Trainee studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification. You'll assist with tax returns, computations and compliance filings for a range of clients, work with financial data to support reporting and analysis, use specialist software systems, carry out technical research, and prepare reports and documentation. You'll build relationships with clients and colleagues while gaining exposure to various industries and sectors.
Requirements
Minimum of 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels or Highers (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels. Minimum grade 6 (or B) in GCSE or National 5 Maths and English Language (or equivalent). AAT qualifications welcome. No prior relevant work experience required.
Skills
Tax compliance and returns preparationFinancial data analysisTechnical researchClient relationship managementReport preparationSoftware and systems proficiencyTeamworkDecision-makingLeadershipCommunication of technical information
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level or Scottish Higher · Any · Grade 120 UCAS points across top 3
Essential
GCSE or National 5 · Maths · Grade 6 or B
Essential
GCSE or National 5 · English Language · Grade 6 or B
Desired
AAT · Any · Grade Level 4
Training & development
Four and a half year training contract with full support and first-class tuition centres. Structured development programme combining professional study with on-the-job learning. Bespoke School Leaver Programme developed with Kaplan includes a six-week business simulation designed to build professional skills such as teamwork, decision-making and leadership. If AAT Level 4 qualified, eligible for exemptions; otherwise complete full ACA/CTA syllabus. Studying alongside a cohort for best chance of exam success.
Additional training
Support through mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and regular social events. Buddy scheme and/or line manager support. Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programme. Access to volunteer opportunities through People networks including Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Gender Equality.
Future prospects
Successful completion leads to ACA/CTA joint qualification. Development as a trusted tax advisor with expertise in corporate tax compliance, reporting and tax planning. Career progression opportunities within Saffery.
Company benefits
Competitive salary, Profit-sharing scheme (approximately £1,000 per year), Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements, Contributory pension plan (5% salary match), Buddy scheme and/or line manager support, Agile working policy (up to three days working from home), Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings, Access to mental health & wellbeing resources, Mentorship & career progression opportunities, Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programme, Volunteer opportunities through People networks, Travel expense reimbursement for in-person interviews.
Things to consider
Familiarise yourself with Saffery's recruitment process before applying. Practice psychometric tests and prepare for face-to-face competency-based interviews. If you've experienced extenuating circumstances affecting academic performance, reach out before submitting. In your first few months, you'll be encouraged to work up to 4 days in the office to benefit from training around managers and colleagues. Hold off booking annual leave around your start date to ensure you don't miss important training and onboarding sessions.
About Saffery
Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, they've built long-term relationships with diverse, high-profile clients across varied and specialised sectors. They are a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, providing access to local insight on a global scale. They pride themselves on an informal and inclusive culture.
Website
www.saffery.comContact email
EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com
If this one works out
This role is in Leeds. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £500–£730 a month.