2026 Tax Graduate Programme - South East

BDO UK LLP; Guildford; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Guildford offers a Tax Graduate Programme, starting September 21, 2026. The programme is structured over three years, providing graduates with hands-on experience in various tax areas, while working towards qualifications such as ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA. Candidates should possess a minimum 2:2 degree and GCSEs in Maths and English. The annual salary for this role is £31,000, and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Benefits

Support from experienced professionals

Career progression opportunities

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• You need to commit to balance study and professional work.
• The right to work in the UK is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience across different areas of tax.
• Study towards ACA/CTA, ATT/CTA, or CA/CTA qualifications.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals in the field.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Logical mindset

Eagerness to learn

Education

Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline

Three A-levels at grade C or above

GCSEs in Maths and English at grade 4 and above

Job description

A bit about us

Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That’s BDO.

Want to untangle complex technical details, work with technology, and connect with brilliant people? Welcome to the Tax Graduate Programme at BDO.

The programme starts on Monday, 21st September 2026 for a firm-wide induction (you’ll need to be able to attend).

Tax at BDO means variety, collaboration and impact. You’ll help clients navigate an ever-changing landscape while building the kind of career that sets you apart. You’ll be part of a team that values learning, fresh ideas, and mutual trust.

Here, your career starts with real work that makes a difference. You’ll learn fast, build confidence, and discover just how far you can go.

And a bit about Tax

Over three years, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across different areas of tax, from international tax to VAT to employment advisory. You’ll study towards ACA/CTA, ATT/CTA, or CA/CTA qualifications, all while working alongside experienced professionals who will support you every step of the way.

This programme is designed for growth – with clear progression routes into specialist roles and leadership. By the end, you’ll not only be technically skilled but also commercially savvy, ready to shape your own career journey.

As for you

You’re inquisitive, resilient and motivated. You bring problem‑solving skills, a logical mindset and an eagerness to learn. We’ll provide the rest.

Join us inour Guildford and Reading hubs

• Private Client ServicesTax Guildford
• Employment Tax Reading

One thing to note: you’ll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. Relocation support is not provided, so please consider this carefully before applying. Time in the office matters; for your learning, for building relationships, and for being part of our culture.

Salary is £31,000 per annum

Is it for you? To apply, you’ll need:

• A minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline (obtained or predicted)
• Three A-levels, all at grade C and above (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A-B (or equivalent, e.g., BTEC Extended Diploma). Please note: we do not use UCAS points. You’ll be asked to provide evidence if you’re successful in securing an offer
• GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. You’ll also need to provide evidence if successful
• Commitment to balance study and professional work
• The right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for these roles as they do not meet the current minimum salary requirements for sponsorship set by the Home Office. Applications from candidates who have their own legal right to work within the UK must cover the duration of their 3-year training contract and employment)

How the interview process will go

We want you to know what to expect, so here’s the typical process:

1. Online application form.
2. Online assessments (with the option to sit these in our office, where we can provide a laptop and space if you don’t have access to one).
3. Video interview.
4. Virtual assessment centre.
5. Final interview in-person.

We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share tips to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a real person.

Before you go

We’ve got 18 offices across the UK, but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team that cares. You’ll learn by doing, be supported by people who’ve been in your shoes, and build skills that actually matter. We’re serious about your well‑being, flexible about how you work, and offer benefits that support you inside and outside of work.

Big enough to open doors. Personal enough to walk through them with you.

Go Beyond the Ordinary with BDO.

Apply now.

Our firm is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.