Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme

BDO UK; England; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Southampton is offering a Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme. You will engage in important tax projects while studying toward a professional qualification. Ideal candidates are analytical and possess strong problem-solving skills, with three A-levels or equivalent. The programme provides mentorship and training, leading to a permanent role upon completion. The starting salary is £25,600 per year, offering a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Holidays with additional leave options

Health and Wellness Programmes

Bike to work scheme

Pension Plan

Private Medical access

Income Protection Plan

Qualifications

• You need three A-levels or four Scottish Advanced Highers at specific grades.
• Must have GCSEs in Maths and English at the required level.
• Commitment to balancing study and professional work.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured apprenticeship programme.
• Work towards ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA qualifications.
• Engage in various projects within tax teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Education

Three A-levels at A*-C or equivalent

GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English

Job description

A bit about us

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

Want to untangle complex details, connect with brilliant people and kick-start a career where your impact is immediate? Welcome to the Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme at BDO.

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

Our tax teams work on everything from compliance and innovation to international advisory – all with the support of inclusive, welcoming colleagues. You’ll work with businesses that matter, on challenges that count, and learn from people who care about your growth.

You’ll gain big exposure: high-impact projects, recognised qualifications, and real accountability. And you’ll get the personal support that turns potential into progress.

And a bit about Tax

Tax at BDO is where your analytical brain meets real-world application. Over four years, you’ll work on a variety of projects and study towards a professional qualification – ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA. You’ll develop commercial skills, connect with in‑house experts, and gain the confidence to grow your way.

Bring curiosity, problem‑solving skills and a commitment to doing things right. We’ll support you with mentorship, training, and time to develop into a well‑rounded professional. When you complete the programme, a permanent role will be waiting.

As for you

You’re inquisitive, adaptable and ready to grow. You enjoy digging into detail, thinking critically and working with others. You bring a data mindset and logical thinking – we’ll help you build everything else you need to succeed.

Join us in our Southampton office

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 £25,600 per annum

Is it for you? To apply, you’ll need:

• Three A‑levels (or equivalent) at A*‑C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A‑B. (or equivalent, for example, BTech 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 4-year training contract and employment.)

How the interview process will go

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 resources 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 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.

Rewards & Benefits

We offer a wide range of core and voluntary benefits, with a few examples below.

Holidays

Our holiday benefit enables you to purchase up to 10 days of additional leave.

Health and Wellness Programmes

We promote a positive working environment where our people can thrive.

Bike to work scheme

A convenient, environmentally friendly and tax‑effective way to acquire a bike for travelling to and from work.

Pension Plan

A Group Personal Pension Plan, with matched employer contributions.

Private Medical

Access to private medical treatment for you and your family.

Income Protection Plan

Provides a proportion of your basic salary if you suffer a loss of earnings because of illness or injury.