School Leaver Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Leeds - September

This is an opportunity to start a 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 global reach with local insight.

The firm prides itself on an informal and inclusive culture, fostering an environment for challenging, interesting, and rewarding careers. Saffery emphasizes a personal approach, where individuals are known and valued.

About the Programme

This is a three-year and three-month training contract, offering 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 grows, you will take on more complex work and contribute to projects.

The bespoke School Leaver Programme, developed with Kaplan, includes a six-week business simulation focused on building key professional skills like teamwork, decision-making, and leadership.

If you are AAT Level 4 qualified, you may be eligible for exemptions. Otherwise, all trainees will complete the full ATT/CTA syllabus. The programme is designed to maximize exam success through cohort study.

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.
• Utilise specialist software and systems for tax work.
• Conduct technical research and support client projects, queries, and advisory work.
• Prepare reports, calculations, and documentation for review.
• Build relationships with clients and colleagues, gaining exposure to various industries and sectors.
• Contribute to delivering accurate, practical solutions to help clients meet tax obligations.
• Work on specialist personal tax planning projects.

What You'll Learn

• Core tax principles, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Application of tax rules to different clients and business situations.
• Analysis of financial information and preparation of tax returns, calculations, and technical documentation.
• The role of tax in compliance, advisory work, and business decision-making.
• Effective communication of technical information.
• Practical application of professional qualification studies in a real-world environment.

Support will be provided through mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and 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 (up to Level 4). This should be detailed on the application form if used in place of A Levels or Highers.

Candidates with over 12 months of relevant experience are advised to explore experienced hire opportunities.

Values and Mindset

Saffery seeks individuals who are collaborative, responsible, progressive, and act with integrity, while striving for excellence. Key attributes include being approachable, committed, proactive, curious, organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage time effectively. A genuine interest in how businesses operate is valued. The firm fosters a close-knit team environment where collaboration and individual development are encouraged. A willingness to learn, ask questions, and contribute to improvements is important.

Benefits

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 the firm's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
• Opportunities to volunteer for People networks (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Gender Equality)

Application Information

• Familiarise yourself with the recruitment process on the Saffery website.
• Practice psychometric tests and prepare for competency-based interviews.
• You can apply to only one programme per recruitment season.
• Contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com if you have experienced extenuating circumstances impacting academic performance.
• Information on requesting reasonable adjustments will be provided during the assessment process.
• Travel expenses will be reimbursed for in-person interviews.
• Avoid booking annual leave around the expected start date to ensure participation in training and onboarding.