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School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - September 2027

Saffery
Location
London
Salary
Competitive
Duration
4.5 years
Positions available
2
Degree awarded
Level 7
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
4 October 2026
Vacancy reference
School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - London - September 2027
Minimum grades
120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels; GCSE Maths and English Language grade 6 (or B)

About the role

Join Saffery as a School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification. Assist with tax returns, computations and compliance filings for a range of clients. Work with financial and client data to support reporting, analysis and submissions. Use specialist software and systems to deliver high-quality tax work. Carry out technical research and support client projects, queries and advisory work. Prepare reports, calculations and documentation for review by senior colleagues. Build relationships with clients and colleagues while gaining exposure to a variety of industries and sectors.

Requirements

Minimum 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels. Minimum grade 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent). AAT qualifications welcomed. No prior relevant work experience required. Must be approachable, committed, organised, detail-oriented, collaborative, and have genuine interest in how businesses operate.

Skills

tax compliancefinancial analysisclient relationship managementtechnical researchattention to detailteamworkdecision-makingleadershipcommunication

Required qualifications

Essential
A Level · Any · Grade 120 UCAS points from top 3
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 6
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade 6
Desired
AAT · Any · Grade Level 4

Training & development

Training contract takes around four and a half years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. 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. Full ACA qualification required unless AAT Level 4 qualified (eligible for exemptions). Studying alongside a cohort provides best chance of exam success.
Future prospects
Upon completion, trainees will have gained core tax principles, legislation and regulatory requirements knowledge. Understanding of how tax rules apply to different clients and business situations. Ability to analyse financial information and prepare tax returns, calculations and technical documentation. Knowledge of the role tax plays in compliance, advisory work and business decision-making. Communication skills for technical information. Practical application of professional qualification studies in real-world environment.

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/or line manager support; Agile working policy (up to three days working from home); Health assessments, GP access, and cancer screenings; Access to mental health and wellbeing resources; Mentorship and career progression opportunities; Participation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) programme; Volunteer opportunities to join People networks (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Women).

Things to consider

Applications open Monday 14 September 2026 to Sunday 4 October 2026. Early applications encouraged as roles may close early due to high demand. Two team options available: general Corporates team or specialist Film, TV and Video Games Tax team. Personal Tax roles open for applications on Monday 2 November 2026. Up to three days working from home encouraged (up to four days in office during first few months). Travel expenses reimbursed for in-person interviews. Recommend not booking annual leave around expected start date to avoid missing important training and onboarding sessions. If experienced extenuating circumstances, contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com before applying.

About Saffery

Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, they have built long-term relationships with diverse, high-profile clients across varied and specialised sectors. As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, they have access to local insight on a global scale. They pride themselves on their informal and inclusive culture, building an environment 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 London. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £900–£1,400 a month.

What rent could you afford?Moving to LondonRenting at 18