Graduate Tax Trainee – ATA/CTA – June 2027 (Exeter)

Gradsouthwest; Exeter; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded ATT/CTA qualifications

Study support throughout training

Paid overtime and TOIL

Pension and life assurance

Health cash plan

Mental health and wellbeing support

Reimbursement of travel expenses to UK

Volunteering day

Job summary

PKF Francis Clark in the South West England region is offering a full-time graduate trainee role in tax. You will join a specialist team and begin working on real client assignments from day one, studying towards ATT and CTA qualifications with full funding and study support.

You will contribute to tax returns, computations and advisory work while developing your problem-solving and analytical skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 2:2 degree or above in any discipline.
• Minimum 112 UCAS points from three A Levels or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above.
• Willingness to travel to client sites and other offices when required.

Responsibilities

• Join one of our specialist tax teams (Corporate Tax, Private Client Tax, Tax Advisory Services or VAT).
• Work on real client assignments from day one and learn to interpret legislation and tax rules.
• Prepare tax returns and tax computations; analyze financial information; research legislation.
• Support tax planning and advisory work; prepare annual accounts and tax calculations; assess forecasts and projections.
• Engage with businesses, individuals and family-owned companies; use data and technology to identify issues.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

2:2 degree

UCAS points

GCSE Maths & English

Job description

Start your career in tax – become a Chartered Tax Adviser

Fully funded professional qualifications | Permanent role | Start June 2027

Want a career where you can combine problem-solving, numbers, research and working with people? Join PKF Francis Clark as an AAT/CTA Professional Trainee and start building a career as a Chartered Tax Adviser.

This is a full-time, permanent graduate role where you’ll earn while you learn, gain valuable experience with real clients and have your professional qualifications fully funded.

You don’t need a degree in accountancy or finance — we’re looking for bright, curious graduates who enjoy solving problems and want to become experts in their field.

What will you be doing?

You’ll join one of our specialist tax teams, which could include Corporate Tax, Private Client Tax, Tax Advisory Services or VAT.

From day one, you’ll work on real client assignments and see how tax works in the real world. You’ll learn how to interpret legislation, research tax rules and apply them to practical situations.

Your work could include:

• Preparing tax returns and tax computations
• Analysing financial information
• Researching tax legislation and finding solutions to client queries
• Supporting tax planning and advisory work
• Preparing annual accounts and tax calculations
• Assessing forecasts and financial projections
• Working with businesses, individuals and family-owned companies
• Using technology and data to identify issues and solve problems

You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues and gradually take on more responsibility as your knowledge and confidence grow.

Earn while you learn

Alongside your role, you’ll study towards your ATT and CTA professional qualifications.

We’ll fully fund your qualifications and provide study support, helping you balance professional exams with your day-to-day work.

Typically, you’ll qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser in around three years. From there, you’ll continue developing your expertise, take on more complex projects and have opportunities to progress into management and beyond.

Is tax right for you?

You’ll enjoy this career if you:

• Love researching, investigating and finding answers
• Enjoy working with numbers and analysing information
• Like solving problems logically and methodically
• Have strong attention to detail
• Enjoy understanding how things work
• Can explain complex information clearly
• Like building relationships with colleagues and clients
• Want to become a specialist and develop genuine expertise
• Enjoy working as part of a friendly, supportive team

You don’t have to know everything about tax before you join us. What matters most is your curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Your development

We’ll support you throughout your journey, both professionally and personally.

You’ll have:

• A buddy to help you settle in
• A line manager and student counsellor to support your qualification and career development
• Structured learning and development alongside your professional studies
• Opportunities to develop your communication, teamwork, critical-thinking and leadership skills
• Increasing responsibility as your knowledge and experience grow
• A clear pathway towards future career progression

What we're looking for

We’re looking for motivated graduates who want to build a long-term career in tax.

You’ll need:

• A 2:2 degree or above in any discipline
• Minimum 112 UCAS points from three A Levels or equivalent (excluding General Studies and EPQ)
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above
• Willingness to travel to client sites and other offices when required

What you'll get

£25,000 starting salary, with opportunities for salary progression as your experience, responsibilities and qualifications develop.

You’ll also receive:

• Fully funded ATT/CTA professional qualifications
• Study support throughout your training
• Paid overtime and the opportunity to accrue TOIL
• Pension and life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Income protection
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Virtual GP and second opinion services
• Gym, pool and studio discounts
• One paid volunteering day each year
• Family-friendly benefits
• Ongoing professional and personal development

Join a firm where you can build your future

PKF Francis Clark is the largest independent firm of chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, with nearly 1,000 people across offices including Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Bristol, Taunton and Truro.

We’re proud of our friendly and supportive culture. You’ll work with talented people, exciting clients and experienced professionals who want to help you succeed.

We’ve been certified as a Great Place to Work and recognised among the UK’s Best Workplaces. We’re also a Certified B Corporation, reflecting our commitment to our people, communities and the environment.

We want you to be yourself, build your confidence and develop a career that lasts.

Ready to start your career in tax?

If you’re curious, analytical and ready to learn, this could be the start of an exciting professional career.

Closing date: Monday 26 October 2026
Start date: Monday 28 June 2027

Recruitment process

1. Online application
2. Online assessments and video interview
3. In-person Assessment Centre

Our Assessment Centre will take place at our Torquay office on Monday 23 November.

Travelling to us? We’ll reimburse travel expenses of up to £50 for attending the Assessment Centre. Just keep your receipts.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible. If you require any adjustments because of a disability, neurodiversity or any other requirement, please let us know and we’ll do our best to support you.

Start your journey with PKF Francis Clark and turn your curiosity into a career in tax.