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

This is an opportunity to start your career in Corporate Tax, helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex tax landscape. You will join the team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification.

About Saffery

Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers with a history dating back to 1855. As a member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, Saffery offers local insight on a global scale.

The firm prides itself on its informal and inclusive culture, creating an environment where individuals can enjoy challenging, interesting, and rewarding careers.

About the Programme

This training contract takes four and a half years to complete, with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. You will follow a structured development programme combining professional study with on-the-job learning. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you will take on more complex work, contribute to projects, and build your expertise as a trusted advisor.

The 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.

If you are AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions. Otherwise, all trainees will complete the full ACA/CTA syllabus.

Your Role and Development

Your growth will come from valuable work experience and real-world learning.

What you’ll do:

• Assist with tax returns, computations, and other 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.
• Contribute to delivering accurate, practical solutions that help clients meet their tax obligations and achieve their goals.

What you’ll learn:

• Core tax principles, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• How tax rules apply to different clients and business situations.
• How to analyse financial information and prepare tax returns, calculations, and technical documentation.
• The role tax plays in compliance, advisory work, and business decision-making.
• How to communicate technical information effectively.
• The practical application of your professional qualification studies in a real-world environment.
• Corporate tax compliance, reporting, and tax planning opportunities.

Support will be provided through mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and regular social events.

What you'll need:

• A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels or Highers (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
• A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE or National 5 Maths and English Language (or equivalent).

Applications are welcomed from candidates who are AAT qualified. If you have completed AAT studies (up to Level 4) in place of A Levels or Highers, please detail this on your application form.

What we’ll offer you:

Financial support & flexibility:

• Competitive salary
• Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
• Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
• Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)

Work life balance & wellbeing:

• Buddy scheme and/or line manager support
• Agile working policy (up to three days working from home, with encouragement for up to 4 days in the office in the first few months for training benefits)
• Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings
• Access to mental health & wellbeing resources

Personal development and belonging:

• Mentorship & career progression opportunities
• Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
• Volunteer to join one of our People networks, including Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Gender Equality.

Before you apply:

• Familiarise yourself with the recruitment process on the Saffery website.
• Practice psychometric tests and prepare for competency-based interviews.
• You can apply to just one programme per recruitment season.
• If you have experienced extenuating circumstances that may have impacted your academic performance, please contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com before applying.
• Information on requesting reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout the assessment process.
• Travel expenses will be reimbursed for in-person interviews.
• Avoid booking annual leave around your expected start date to ensure you don't miss important training and onboarding sessions.