Key Takeaways
- Start a career in Personal Tax, studying towards ATT/CTA qualifications.
- Based in London, with a 3 year and 3 month structured training programme.
- Requires a minimum of 120 UCAS points and grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English.
- Applications close Sunday 29 November 2026, with early applications encouraged.
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 global reach with local insight.
The firm prides itself on an informal and inclusive culture, fostering an environment where individuals can enjoy challenging, interesting, and rewarding careers.
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 and confidence grow, you will take on more complex work, contribute to projects, and build expertise as a trusted advisor.
The bespoke School Leaver Programme, developed with Kaplan, includes a six-week business simulation focused on building 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 required to complete the full ATT/CTA syllabus. Studying alongside a cohort is encouraged for exam success.
Your Role and Development
Your growth will come from valuable work experience and real-world learning. 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)
- 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
- Opportunities to join People networks (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 only one programme per recruitment season.
- If you have experienced extenuating circumstances, please contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com before submitting your application.
- Information on requesting reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout the assessment process.
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed for in-person interviews.
- It is recommended to avoid booking annual leave around your expected start date to ensure participation in training and onboarding.