Key Takeaways
- Start your career in Personal Tax with Saffery in Bristol, studying towards ATT/CTA qualifications.
- The programme is a three-year and three-month training contract with full study support and on-the-job learning.
- You will assist with tax returns, computations, client data analysis, technical research, and client projects.
- Requires a minimum of 120 UCAS points and a minimum of grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths and English.
- Applications are open from Monday 2 November 2026 to Sunday 29 November 2026.
About the Role
This is an opportunity to start your career in Personal Tax, helping individuals manage their tax affairs with confidence. You will join the team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA tax pathway 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, aiming to provide an environment where people can enjoy challenging, interesting, and rewarding careers.
About the Programme
This is a three-year and three-month training contract 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.
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 are expected to complete the full ATT/CTA syllabus.
Your Role and Development
The team delivers exceptional quality compliance and advisory services to a wide range of high net worth private clients, including those with UK and offshore interests, property owners, business owners, partnerships, and trusts.
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.
- Work on specialist personal tax planning projects.
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.
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)
- 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.