2027 Tax Graduate Programme - North East & West

BDO; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Health and wellbeing support

Gym membership

Employee discounts

Protection benefits

Job summary

BDO in Manchester or Leeds is recruiting for a Tax Graduate Programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience while studying towards ACA/CTA and ATT/CTA (tax pathway) qualifications, working alongside experienced professionals on client work and developing commercial confidence.

As you progress, you’ll take on more responsibility, build client relationships, and have the support of senior colleagues. The programme leads to a permanent tax advisory role upon qualification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline (predicted or obtained).
• Three A-levels (A*-C) or equivalent; evidence may be requested.
• GCSEs at grade 4+ in Maths and English; evidence may be requested.
• Right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience while studying ACA/CTA/ATT/CTA tax pathway.
• Learn from experienced professionals and build commercial skills.
• Develop technical knowledge through client work and projects.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem solving

Resilience

Teamwork

Education

2:2 degree (any discipline)

Three A-levels (A*-C) or equivalent

GCSEs Maths/English 4+

Right to work in the UK

Job description

A bit about Tax

BDO’s Tax practice spans 13 specialist areas, including Employment Tax, Private Client and Tax Dispute Resolution. Our tax professionals work with clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to high-growth start-ups, giving you the chance to build experience across different businesses and challenges.

• You’ll get involved in dynamic work and take on more responsibility as your confidence grows.
• You’ll have people around you to help – from teammates and managers to directors and partners who can share their experience, answer questions and support your development.

It’s big responsibility with personal support – and the chance to build a career that’s your own.

And a bit about the programme

• Over three years, you’ll gain hands‑on experience while studying towards ACA/CTA, ATT/CTA (tax pathway) qualifications.
• You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, developing your technical knowledge through client work while building your commercial skills and confidence.
• There’s plenty of room to explore where your strengths and interests could take you.
• As you develop, you’ll take on more responsibility, build relationships with clients and colleagues, and have opportunities to shape the direction of your career.
• The support is there too. Our graduates talk about being trusted with projects early, working directly with clients and having approachable senior colleagues around them as they learn.
• While you’ll be challenged to grow, you won’t be doing it alone.
• When you successfully complete the programme and pass the exams, you’ll be fully qualified as a tax advisor, and guaranteed a permanent role with us.

As for you

• You’re inquisitive, resilient and motivated.
• You enjoy solving problems, thinking things through and learning something new.
• You don’t need to arrive knowing everything.
• Bring your curiosity, logical mindset and willingness to get involved, and you’ll have the support and experience to develop from there.

Join us in our Manchester or Leeds hub

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 together in person matters – whether that’s in the office or with clients. It gives you more opportunities to learn from your team, build relationships and get the most from working together.

Is it for you? To apply, you’ll need:

• A minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline (obtained or predicted)
• Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Highers or Advanced Highers at grade A-B (or equivalent, for example 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 4-year training contract and employment)

What you get in return

• Our benefits are designed to support your life in and outside of work, with options including additional leave, gym membership and employee discounts, alongside pension, health and wellbeing support and a range of protection benefits.

Salary

• £29,000 per annum

Before you go

Wherever you join BDO, you’ll have the chance to learn by doing, work with clients and build your career with people around you to support your development.

The opportunity to build your experience, confidence and career without having to do it alone.

Big responsibility. Personal support.

That’s Beyond the Ordinary.

Big responsibility. Personal support. That’s Beyond the Ordinary.

Want to get stuck into client work, tackle complex problems and build your career in Tax? Welcome to the Tax Graduate Programme at BDO.

The programme starts on Monday, 20th September 2027, for an organisation-wide induction (you need to be able to attend).

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

Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th November 2026

How the interview process will go

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

• Online application form.
• Online assessments.
• Video interview.
• Virtual assessment centre.
• 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.