Corporate Tax Trainee (ACA/CTA) - Peterborough

Saffery Champness; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A national accounting firm in Peterborough is seeking a Tax Trainee to join their team. This full-time position offers the opportunity to begin a career in corporate tax with a focus on obtaining ACA/CTA qualifications. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include supporting tax compliance, assisting with client queries, and engaging in advisory projects. Competitive salary, benefits, and a supportive learning environment are offered.

Benefits

Core and flexible benefits

Competitive salary

Profit-sharing scheme

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension plan

Agile working policy

Health assessments

Access to wellbeing resources

Qualifications

• Commitment to studying toward ACA/CTA.
• Willingness to grow with the team.
• AAT qualification is welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Support tax compliance process and learn tax return preparation.
• Assist with technical research and client queries.
• Identify advisory opportunities within client portfolios.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

2:1 undergraduate degree

120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels

6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language

Job description

Overview

Peterborough • Training • Full-time

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’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for 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\'ll 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. As your understanding of taxation issues grows, so will the complexity of your workload. This is an exciting time to join our team which is expanding rapidly nationwide.

Key dates to apply: Window 1: 15 September 2025 - 3 October 2025; Window 2: 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\'ll gain hands-on experience while building your knowledge of corporate tax compliance and advisory services. 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 contribute 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.

We welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds. If you have over 12 months relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, we recommend exploring part-qualified opportunities on our team.

What we look for

• 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline
• A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 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
• Commitment to studying toward ACA/CTA and willingness to grow with the team

What we’ll offer

• Core and flexible benefits tailored to your needs
• Competitive salary & paid overtime or time off in lieu
• Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
• Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
• Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)
• Buddy scheme and/or line manager support
• Agile working policy (up to three days working from home; in first few months, up to 4 days in the office for training)
• Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings
• Access to mental health & wellbeing resources

Additional information

• Personal development and belonging: mentorship, career progression opportunities, and participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
• Volunteer to join one of our People networks (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women)
• We provide guidance on our recruitment process and preparation for interviews; travel expense reimbursement may apply for in-person interviews
• If you are offered a place, we recommend holding off on booking annual leave around your expected start date to ensure you don’t miss onboarding training

Ready to start your journey? Explore life at Saffery & apply today.

How to apply / Window of applications

Explore life at Saffery & apply today. Applications are invited for two windows: Window 1 (15 September 2025 – 3 October 2025) and Window 2 (3 November 2025 – 21 November 2025). We encourage early applications and will review all submissions fairly.