Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - Bournemouth - September 2026
Saffery Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom
Posted 4 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.
Are you looking to start your career in corporate tax? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA/CTA joint qualification.
Who We Welcome
We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from recent graduates or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.
About The Programme
Our training contract takes three and a half years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres.
If you are AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask all trainees to complete the full ACA/CTA.
We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
About The Team
The team deals with a large portfolio of companies operating in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, technology, retail, recruitment, financial services, hospitality and property. These clients range from smaller owner‑managed businesses to large and complex listed groups, as well as charities and not‑for‑profit organisations.
You will work in a fast‑paced environment on corporation tax compliance, including preparation of corporation tax returns and computations, advising on payment dates and dealing with all other administrative matters. In addition to compliance work, you’ll also have the opportunity to assist in tax advisory projects once you qualify and progress.
Key Dates To Apply
3 November 2025 – 21 November 2025
We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment. Due to high volume, you may experience delays in the process but we will review all submissions fairly.
Your Role and Development
Your growth doesn’t just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning. As a Tax Trainee, you’ll be supported by experienced professionals and gradually introduced to a wide range of technical and advisory work.
You Can Expect To Be Involved In
* Supporting the tax compliance process, including assisting with tax accounting and learning how tax returns are prepared and submitted.
* Helping with technical research and assisting in responses to client queries and internal team questions.
* Learning how to identify advisory opportunities within client portfolios and contributing to tax planning discussions.
* Gaining insight into complex tax areas, such as capital allowances, R&D tax relief, transfer pricing and international tax, with guidance from experienced team members.
* Assisting in stand‑alone tax advisory projects, including learning about structuring acquisitions and disposals, transaction support and due diligence.
What You'll Need
* 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline.
* A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top three A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
* A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified. If you have over 12 months of relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, we recommend exploring part‑qualified opportunities on our Experienced Hire vacancy page.
Where Potential Meets You
At Saffery, we look for people who share our values – collaborative, enthusiastic, integrity‑driven, and striving for excellence. You’ll be approachable and committed, ready to take ownership and go the extra mile to deliver our signature service. You won’t hesitate to speak up when something could be better and you’ll help to make it happen.
We value drive, focus and a positive attitude and we expect you to be curious about the broader economic landscape our clients operate in.
We know the exams are demanding, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
What We’ll Offer You
Financial Support & Flexibility
* Competitive salary and paid overtime or time off in lieu.
* Profit‑sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year).
* Generous annual leave and 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; in the first few months we encourage up to four days in the office).
* Health assessments, GP access and cancer screenings.
* Access to mental health and wellbeing resources.
Personal Development and Belonging
* Mentorship and career progression opportunities.
* Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programme.
* Volunteer to join one of our People networks – e.g. Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women.
Your Career Journey
Explore Life At Saffery and Apply Today.
What To Know Before You Apply
* Familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting How to Apply – Saffery.
* Practice psychometric tests and learn more about approaching a face‑to‑face, competency‑based interview.
* You may only apply to one of our programmes during each recruitment season. If your application isn’t successful this time, you can try again when applications re‑open next September for the following year.
* If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances (e.g. bereavement, mental health challenges or other unforeseen situations), please reach out before submitting an application – EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com.
* If you require any reasonable adjustments, let us know by including the details in the relevant section on the application form. We’re committed to assessing all applicants fairly.
* If you are selected for an in‑person interview, we will reimburse travel expenses.
* If you’re offered a place at Saffery, we recommend holding off booking annual leave around your expected start date to avoid missing training and onboarding sessions.
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Education and Training
Industries: Accounting
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