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School Leaver Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Edinburgh - September 2027

Saffery
Location
Edinburgh
Salary
Competitive
Duration
3 years and 3 months
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Level 4
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
4 October 2026
Vacancy reference
School Leaver Personal Tax Trainee Edinburgh September 2027
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)
Disability Confident
✓ Yes

About the role

Join Saffery as a School Leaver Personal Tax Trainee studying towards the ATT/CTA tax pathway qualification. You'll assist with tax returns, computations and compliance filings for high net worth private clients with UK and offshore interests, property owners, business owners, partnerships and trusts. Work with financial and client data, use specialist software, carry out technical research, prepare reports and calculations, and build client relationships while gaining exposure to various industries.

Requirements

Minimum of 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels or Highers (excluding General Studies and AS Levels), or equivalent. 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.

Working week

Agile working policy allowing up to three days working from home; in first few months, encouraged to work up to 4 days in the office to benefit from training with managers and colleagues.

Skills

tax compliancefinancial analysisclient relationship managementtechnical researchattention to detailteamworkcommunicationtime management

Required qualifications

Essential
A Level or Scottish Higher · Any · Grade 120 UCAS points from 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 Level 4 · Any · Grade Any

Training & development

Three-year and three-month training contract with full support and access to 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 key professional skills such as teamwork, decision-making and leadership. Study towards ATT/CTA qualification. If AAT Level 4 qualified, eligible for exemptions; otherwise complete full ATT/CTA syllabus.
Additional training
Mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and regular social events. Support through the cohort-based learning approach to maximize exam success.
Future prospects
Upon completion, you will be qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CTA) or Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) member, with practical expertise in personal tax advisory and compliance work, having built professional relationships and technical knowledge across diverse client sectors.

Company benefits

Competitive salary, profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year), generous annual leave and flexible work arrangements, contributory pension plan (5% salary match), buddy scheme and line manager support, agile working policy (up to three days working from home), health assessments and GP access, mental health and wellbeing resources, mentorship and career progression opportunities, participation in ED&I programme, volunteer opportunities in People networks (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Gender Equality).

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. A proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, providing local insight on a global scale. Known for an informal and inclusive culture where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers.
Contact email
EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com
If this one works out

This role is in Edinburgh. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £650–£900 a month.

What rent could you afford?Moving to EdinburghRenting at 18