Tax
2027 Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme
BDO
Location
Birmingham, Southampton, Reading, London, Ipswich
Salary
£26,615 - £28,275 per year (depends on location)
Duration
4 years
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Level 6
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
15 November 2026
Vacancy reference
R21055
Minimum grades
A-levels grade A*-C (three required, or four Scottish Advanced Highers A-B), GCSE Maths and English grade 4+
About the role
Join BDO's Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme and earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience on real projects while studying towards a professional qualification such as ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA. Over four years, you'll build technical knowledge through Tax work, develop commercial skills, and learn from experienced professionals. BDO's Tax practice spans 13 specialist areas including Employment Tax, Private Client and Tax Dispute Resolution. You'll work with clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to high-growth start-ups. Upon completion, a permanent role will be waiting for you.
Requirements
Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A-B (or equivalent, e.g., BTEC Extended Diploma). GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available). Ability to attend office in person and live within commutable distance. Commitment to balance study and professional work.
Working week
In-person office attendance required. Agile working with flexibility around how, when and where you work, providing digital tools and training to enable delivery of best work.
Skills
Logical thinkingAttention to detailTeamwork and collaborationCommunicationAdaptabilityProblem-solvingClient relationship managementTechnical tax knowledge
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade A*-C
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4
Training & development
Professional qualification training towards ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA (Tax pathway). Dedicated study support and study leave provided by Professional Qualifications team. Buddy support from experienced colleagues. People Manager support for guidance throughout work and studies. Peer networks with other trainees.
Additional training
Personal development sessions to work on yourself both personally and professionally. Training on technical knowledge, commercial skills, and client interaction. Support to build confidence and keep progressing.
Future prospects
Upon completion of the 4-year apprenticeship programme, successful candidates will receive a permanent role at BDO and be qualified professionals in their chosen tax pathway (ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA).
Company benefits
Salary £26,615 - £28,275 depending on location. Holiday benefit enabling purchase of up to 10 days additional leave. Health and Wellness Programmes. Bike to work scheme. Pension Plan with matched employer contributions. Private Medical access for you and your family. Income Protection Plan. Employee discounts. Gym membership options. Health and wellbeing support. Range of protection benefits. Access to employee networks including BLEND (LGBTQ+), BDO Inspire (Gender balance), and CEDAR (Celebrating Ethnic Diversity and Races).
Things to consider
You'll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. Relocation support is not provided. Time together in person matters – you'll need to join the office so BDO can best support your development. The programme requires commitment to balance study and professional work. Right to work in the UK must cover the duration of the 4-year training contract and employment.
About BDO
BDO is a thriving business that is respectful and client-focused. With specialist areas spanning 13 different tax disciplines, BDO has one of the largest and most diverse Employment Tax teams in professional services and one of the largest national Tax Dispute Resolution teams. The organisation is distinctive for preserving and building on the strengths of its culture and characteristics that make it successful and different.
Website
www.bdo.co.ukIf this one works out
This role is in Birmingham. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £500–£750 a month.