Tax Associate (ACA/CTA Trainee), London - September 2026

Cooper & Hall Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Greater London is seeking an ambitious individual to join their Tax department as a Trainee. The role involves assisting with corporate tax assignments, preparing tax returns, and building relationships within the firm. Candidates should possess a 2.1 degree and A-levels (B,B,C) along with a proactive attitude and confidence in client interactions. The position offers a strong learning environment and full study support for ACA qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Study Package

31 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Subsidised corporate gym membership

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay

Pension Scheme arrangements

Qualifications

• Good level experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• No previous professional exam study required.
• Awareness of business tax environment and bookkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of corporate tax returns.
• Build rapport with different departments for tax requirements.
• Conduct tax research and prepare tax advisory reports.

Skills

Proactive attitude

Client facing confidence

Ability to work under pressure

Education

2.1 degree

A-levels (B,B,C grades)

Grade B/6 in GCSE Maths and English Language

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Role Overview

Joining a team of 35, this is a great opportunity to join the Tax department and to embark on a career in tax. The successful candidate will be offered full study support to complete the ACA joint‑pathway qualification and gain hands‑on experience, working with a variety of clients. The joint pathway allows candidates to study for both their ACA and CTA qualifications. Salary: £31,500 p/annum.

Responsibilities

• Assisting team members perform corporate tax related assignments including preparation of corporate tax returns as well as all aspects of tax administration and management.
• Building a rapport with other departments within the firm to develop a clear and detailed understanding of internal and external business tax requirements.
• Assisting in tax research as well as preparing first drafts of corporate tax advisory reports.
• Liaising and corresponding with clients and HM Revenue & Customs.

Working Arrangements

Working week: 35 hours per week (Monday‑Friday) to be worked from 09:30‑17:30 with adaptability of hours to meet specific work demands.

Qualifications

• 2.1 degree
• Minimum A-levels, B,B,C grades (or equivalent and excluding general studies)
• Grade B/6 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language (GCSE or equivalent)

Professional Qualifications

• No previous professional exam study required

System Experience

• Experience of using Microsoft Word/Excel to a good level.

Personal Effectiveness

• Key role for an enthusiastic and proactive individual with an ambition to succeed within the profession.
• Need to be able to work under pressure and manage workload and expectations.
• Should be confident with client facing.
• An awareness of business tax environment, bookkeeping or similar industry knowledge.

Learning and Development

We will support your development and progress towards more complex and technical work. Enthusiasm to learn is therefore key.

Company Overview

The UHY Hacker Young Group is a leading network of chartered accountants with 22 offices spanning England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are also a founding member of UHY International, our Top 20 global network, which has over 318 offices in all major global business jurisdictions. We are a people‑first business, and we recognise that you, and the rest of our team, are essential to deliver on our purpose of helping you prosper, whether you are a client, a member of our team, or part of our wider community. We want you to be challenged, to learn and grow while you're with us, to have fun in the workplace, work with like‑minded individuals, and deliver great services.

Culture

• is values driven?
• believes in and delivers a culture of work‑life balance, with a focus on wellbeing?
• provides a clear career framework and routes to progress?
• understands the importance of rewarding and retaining high calibre teams?
• delivered 20% growth in the last 12 months?

Benefits

• Study Package, including TOIL (Time off in Lieu) (TOIL up to AM, Study support only if agreed)
• 31 days holiday (including bank holidays & compulsory Christmas shutdown counted as part of holiday entitlement)
• The ability to 'purchase' extra days leave in salary sacrifice
• Private medical insurance at discounted rates
• Private medical insurance at discounted rates (Assistant manager and above)
• Private dental cover at discounted rates
• Subsidised corporate gym membership at Fitness First
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Season ticket loan (for travel)
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay
• Pension Scheme arrangements
• Employee discount platform - UHY Plus
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric car scheme

How to apply

If so, we would love to hear from you.