Graduate Trainee

GradBay; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global firm is offering a graduate pathway in tax, providing full training and client exposure while you work on impactful financial challenges. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and strong communication skills, with responsibilities including VAT compliance support and research. You will enjoy a competitive salary, supportive culture, and career progression opportunities. Additionally, professional qualifications will be funded with no cost to you, facilitating a strong start to your tax career.

Benefits

Fully funded professional qualifications (ATT and CTA)

Training that accelerates professional development

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Have/expect a degree in any subject.
• Show interest in tax or financial regulation.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support VAT compliance for a portfolio of clients.
• Conduct research on VAT rules for advisory work.
• Prepare VAT return calculations.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Analytical skills

Time management skills

Ability to work with accuracy and accountability

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree (achieved or on track)

Job description

The Opportunity

Start your professional tax career with a leading global firm that delivers audit, tax and advisory services. This graduate pathway provides full training, client exposure and industry‑recognised qualifications — all while you work on high‑impact financial and regulatory challenges.

Indirect Tax (VAT)

Indirect Tax (VAT) plays a key role in helping organisations understand and comply with complex tax rules. You’ll help clients navigate transactions, business change and compliance — from multinational groups to public sector organisations and charities.

This is a strong launchpad for graduates looking for a long‑term advisory career.

Key Criteria

• ✓ Have/expect a degree (any subject)
• ✓ Have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship may be available depending on location – confirm with recruiter)
• ✓ Show interest in tax, financial regulation or professional services
• ✓ Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills
• ✓ Be available to start following qualification timelines

What You’ll Be Doing

Across your 3‑year training contract, you will:

Years 1–2

• Support VAT compliance for a portfolio of clients
• Research VAT rules and provide background information for advisory work
• Help prepare VAT return calculations
• Communicate with HMRC and assist with queries
• Contribute to internal and external VAT updates and presentations
• Build foundational technical knowledge and apply it in real client scenarios

Year 3

• Act as a point of contact for clients on VAT matters
• Support advisory projects on VAT planning and business change
• Maintain strong client relationships and identify new opportunities
• Manage elements of VAT project delivery
• Negotiate with HMRC on clients’ behalf
• Work with senior advisers to grow the service offering

You will be working with clients across diverse sectors including large corporates, government bodies, financial institutions and not‑for‑profits — ensuring every week brings something new.

Learning & Development

• Fully funded professional qualifications: ATT and CTA
• Study leave + blended classroom and digital learning
• One‑to‑one mentoring, coaching and buddy system
• Development in client excellence, technical skills & digital tools
• Clear progression into advisory and management roles

This is a structured route into a respected tax consulting career.

Who We’re Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree (achieved or on track) – any discipline
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Curiosity to learn how tax impacts business
• Ability to work with accuracy and accountability
• A collaborative mindset and respect for diverse perspectives
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Resilience and a proactive approach to challenges
• Willingness to travel occasionally for client work

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Funded ATT/CTA qualifications (no cost to you)
• Training that accelerates professional development
• Inclusive culture — you’re supported to grow from day one
• Varied clients and projects for broad experience
• Career progression within a globally recognised firm