Corporate Tax - Nottingham Graduate 2026

PKF Smith Cooper; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Nottingham is offering a Tax Graduate Scheme for recent graduates or those looking for a career change. This full-time role entails collaborating with the tax team, participating in tax research, and preparing tax returns. Ideal candidates will have a degree at 2:1 or above, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. With comprehensive training provided, candidates can develop their tax expertise and work towards becoming qualified Tax Advisors. The firm emphasizes a supportive culture and flexible working conditions.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working policy

Life assurance and healthcare benefits

Social events and committee activities

Travel and secondment opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong academic record at A Level and GCSE.
• Interest in pursuing a career in Tax.
• No prior experience required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with tax team members on client projects.
• Participate in tax return preparation and review.
• Analyze financial statements for tax-saving opportunities.
• Support creation of tax strategies.
• Engage in client meetings and explain tax concepts.
• Stay updated on tax laws and regulations.
• Develop client presentations and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

Education

Any degree at 2:1 or above

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PKF Smith Cooper is the home of PKF in the Midlands. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s our job to help them thrive by creating successful, longstanding relationships.

Location: Nottingham

Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

Salary: Competitive starting salary with increases at key milestones to qualification.

Report s to: Tax Manager

Whether you have recently graduated or are about to graduate and are exploring options for the future, or you are looking to change your career and embark on new challenges, our Tax Graduate Scheme is your first step into a fulfilling career with significant earning potential. No previous accounting experience or maths-related degree is required!

People who work in tax help individuals and businesses navigate the UK’s complex taxation system. By training to become a tax professional, you can have a real impact on our clients’ financial success, from minimising tax bills to advising strategically on financial decisions.

Our Tax Graduate Scheme will equip you with the skills you need to reach your potential and become an expert in tax. Previous graduates have gone on to achieve incredible success at PKF Smith Cooper – our Managing Partner started out at the company as a graduate! With our support and development opportunities, there are no limits to what you can achieve if you prove yourself capable.

At PKF Smith Cooper, a fun and inclusive culture is a priority, not an afterthought. Regular social events across our offices give our team members opportunities to get to know each other beyond their job roles. We also have a variety of committees, like our Values Committee and our Mental Health Committee, where you can get involved and be part of shaping the future of life at our firm.

For a varied and fulfilling career with significant earning potential, apply to join our Tax Graduate Scheme today.

As a graduate member of our Tax department, you will join us on an ACA/CTA training pathway. You will develop a specialist knowledge of tax laws and legislation to provide our clients with expert advice and guidance.

Supporting our clients will involve finding solutions to tax-related issues that will minimise their tax bills and make profitable decisions for themselves or their businesses.

The training we provide will make sure you stay at the forefront of the tax profession. Learning opportunities within this role are ongoing, as you develop your knowledge of the ever-changing tax landscape to find solutions that help our clients succeed.

You will have the chance to gain a deep understanding of a variety of businesses across different sectors – from nationals to start-ups.

A successful career in tax requires a unique blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking and people skills. Our Tax Graduate Scheme will develop your abilities in these key areas, as you build your theoretical knowledge through studying and develop practical skills through on-the-job training.

You will work in a collaborative environment, engage with diverse clients and contribute to the development of ethical and sustainable financial practices in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

You’ll be equipped with valuable technical skills, broad commercial understanding, and in-depth knowledge of different industry sectors to help you achieve a Tax Advisor qualification.

Click here to learn more about our Tax services.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with tax team members on a range of client projects, assisting in tax research, planning, and compliance activities
• Participate in the preparation and review of tax returns for corporations, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulations
• Analyse financial statements and records to identify potential tax-saving opportunities and offer tailored recommendations
• Support the creation of comprehensive tax strategies that align with clients' business objectives and regulatory frameworks
• Engage in client meetings to gather necessary information, explain tax concepts, and address inquiries professionally
• Stay updated on changes in tax laws and regulations, and apply this knowledge to ensure clients' compliance and optimise their tax positions
• Contribute to the development of client presentations, reports, and proposals related to tax planning and consulting service

Training and development

On our Tax Graduate Scheme, you will benefit from exposure to a wide range of work with businesses of all sizes, many of them local to our offices.

Our partners take a direct interest in the development and progression of our graduates. We aim to equip every graduate with the skills they need to become a future leader – our Managing Partner started out at PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate himself, so who knows what you could achieve through our graduate scheme!

As an ICAEW, ATT and CTA Approved Training Employer, we are recognised for our high-quality training and development.

Your skills and qualities

• Any degree at 2:1 or above, with a strong academic record at A Level and GCSE.
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in Tax.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is beneficial.
• Although a driving licence and car isn’t a requirement, it will be highly beneficial as you will need to travel to our different client sites.
• No prior experience required.

Why PKF Smith Cooper

PKF Smith Cooper is the 12th largest accounting firm by UK fee income (Accountancy Age Top 50+50) and a member of global network PKF Global. Through PKF, we operate in unison with member firms in 150 countries to share ideas, expertise and specialist resources for the benefit of our team and clients.

Our team of award-winning accountants and business advisors plans to double the size of our company within the next 5 years. As a fast-growing firm and accredited ICAEW and ACCA Approved Training Employer, we are passionate about developing ‘homegrown talent’. We can help you achieve your potential through our comprehensive training, development, and progression programme.

We aim to equip every graduate with the skills to become a future leader – our very own managing partner started at PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate, so who knows what you could achieve through our graduate scheme!

Why Nottingham

In the heart of the bustling city, our Nottingham office, refurbished in 2023, is a modern and collaborative space. Some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants are on our doorstep and we’re close to several public transport links, making the office easily accessible.

What's in it for you

Our benefits package has been shaped by our values and our people. Here are some of the perks you can expect as part of Team PKF Smith Cooper:

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best through our flexible working policy (subject to manager discretion) and dress for your diary scheme.
• Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the chance to purchase additional annual leave and your birthday off, on us.
• Prize draws 4 times a year to reward those who embrace our company values – win a spa day, AirPods or even a trip to Paris!
• A busy social calendar of team events, office activities and committees. From our monthly book club and Mental Health Committee to our legendary summer parties, there are lots of opportunities to get to know people away from your desk.
• Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We offer life assurance, healthcare cashback and discounts on gym memberships and popular retailers including Tesco, River Island and Expedia.
• Free personal finance and mortgage advice from our financial planning experts.
• Travel the world with PKF One Week More, which allows you to extend your holiday with a week of working abroad, and secondment opportunities in PKF offices worldwide.

How to apply

Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for! Even if you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we encourage you to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the People team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 01332 332021.