School Leaver Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2027
Saffery
Location
High Wycombe
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 (or equivalent), GCSE/National 5 Maths and English Language grade 6 (or B)
Disability Confident
✓ Yes
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 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). No prior relevant work experience required. AAT qualifications welcome.
Skills
Tax compliance and returns preparationFinancial data analysisTechnical researchClient relationship buildingCommunication of technical informationTeamworkDecision-makingLeadership
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 · Any · Grade Level 4
Training & development
Four and a half year training contract combining professional study with on-the-job learning. Structured development programme with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. Bespoke School Leaver Programme developed with Kaplan, including six-week business simulation designed to build key professional skills such as teamwork, decision-making and leadership. Study of core tax principles, legislation and regulatory requirements. AAT Level 4 qualified candidates eligible for exemptions; otherwise full ACA/CTA syllabus required.
Additional training
Mentorship and structured training provided throughout. Off-site trainee programmes and regular social events to build friendships with colleagues. Guidance on psychometric tests and competency-based interviews available before application.
Future prospects
Successful completion leads to ACA/CTA joint qualification. Career progression opportunities as a trusted advisor in corporate tax compliance, reporting and tax planning.
Company benefits
Competitive salary, profit-sharing scheme (approx. £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, four days in office encouraged during first few months), health assessments, GP access, cancer screenings, mental health and wellbeing resources, mentorship and career progression opportunities, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) programme participation, volunteer opportunities with People networks (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Gender Equality).
Things to consider
Candidates with extenuating circumstances impacting academic performance are encouraged to contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com before applying. Reasonable adjustments available throughout assessment process. Travel expenses reimbursed for in-person interviews. Candidates should avoid booking annual leave around expected start date. Can apply to only one programme per recruitment season.
About Saffery
Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers established since 1855. Building long-term relationships with diverse, high-profile clients across varied and specialised sectors. Proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms. Known for informal and inclusive culture where people can be themselves.
Contact email
EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com