Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026

Saffery; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Profit-sharing scheme

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension plan

Flexible work arrangements

Buddy scheme and support

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm based in High Wycombe is actively seeking a Private Client Tax Trainee to kickstart their career in tax advisory services. This role involves preparing and filing client tax returns while studying towards the ATT/CTA qualification. The firm offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and a supportive team environment to help you succeed. Ideal candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their background or prior experience. Discover opportunities for personal and professional growth at this esteemed company.

Qualifications

• Recent school leaver or career changer encouraged to apply.
• AAT qualification welcome for applicants.
• No previous work experience necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file tax returns for clients.
• Conduct manual reconciliation of tax liabilities.
• Liaise with clients over the phone or in person.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Minimum of 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels

Minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language

Job description

Private Client Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - High Wycombe - September 2026

Saffery, High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom

About the Role

Are you looking to start your career in Private Client Tax? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA qualification.

Who We Welcome

We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from recent school leavers 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.

Key Dates To Apply

19 December 2025 – 11 January 2026

Please note that the next stage of our recruitment process (psychometric testing) will be paused from 19 December 2025 until 11 January 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted during this period, and candidates may then be invited to complete a psychometric test in mid‑January 2026. We hope this pause provides you with time to enjoy the holiday season or prepare for upcoming exams.

Your Role and Development

Your growth doesn’t just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning. The Tax Services Group (TSG) is a national team operating across our nine UK offices. The team delivers exceptional quality compliance and advisory services to a wide range of high net worth private clients. These include those with UK and offshore interests, property owners, business owners, partnerships and trusts. Personal tax professionals help individuals to pay the right amount of tax to keep them compliant – work dealing with tax returns and the reporting of tax to the Revenue authorities such as HMRC is called tax compliance.

You’ll work in a friendly and progressive team, involved in tasks such as preparing and filing tax returns, carrying out manual reconciliation of tax liabilities and liaising with clients over the phone or in person. The client base is varied and includes clients who are both domestic and international, so we guarantee an exciting and complex portfolio. We’ll support you every step of the way through mentorship, structured training, and our off‑site trainee programmes as well as regular social events to build friendships with colleagues.

What You’ll Need

• 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. Please apply as usual and be sure to include your qualification details in the academic section.

If however, you have over 12 months relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, we recommend exploring part‑qualified opportunities on our Experienced Hire vacancy page.

What We’ll Offer You

Financial Support & Flexibility

• 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)

Work Life Balance & Wellbeing

• Buddy scheme and/or line manager support
• Agile working policy (up to three days working from home, however in your first few months we do encourage up to 4 days in the office to reap the benefits of training around your managers and colleagues)
• Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings
• Access to mental health & wellbeing resources

Personal Development and Belonging

• Mentorship & career progression opportunities
• Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
• Volunteer to join one of our People networks for example Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women

Who We Are

Saffery is a partner‑led and people‑focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, we’ve built long‑term relationships with our diverse, high‑profile clients, across varied and specialised sectors. As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, we’ve got access to local insight on a global scale.

We pride ourselves on our informal and inclusive culture, building an environment where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers. When you work with Saffery, the well‑respected accountancy firm where heritage meets ambition, you work with people who know your name. Who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always.

Ready to start your journey?

Explore Life At Saffery & Apply Today

Life at Saffery

What To Know Before You Apply

• Before submitting your application, take some time to familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting How to apply - Saffery
• We also recommend practising psychometric tests and learning more about how to approach a face‑to‑face, competency‑based interview. This will help you feel confident and prepared to show your best self.
• You can apply to just one of our programmes during each recruitment season. If your application isn’t successful this time, we’d love for you to try again when applications re‑open next September for the following year.
• If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances (such as bereavement, mental health challenges, or any other unforeseen situation), that may have impacted your academic performance, please reach out to us before you submit an application – [e-mail].
• If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by including the details in the relevant section on the application form. We’re committed to assessing all applicants fairly and want to do everything we can to support your success throughout the process.
• If you are selected for an in‑person interview, we will provide reimbursement for your travel expenses. More information on what we cover will be shared at this stage of the process.
• If you're offered a place at Saffery, we kindly recommend holding off on booking any annual leave around your expected start date. This helps ensure you don’t miss out on important training and onboarding sessions that will set you up for success.