Tax - Business Tax Advisory - Tax Dispute Resolution - School Leaver Trainee - Leeds - 1 Sept 2026

MAZARS LLP; Moor Side; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in the UK is seeking school leaver apprentices for a four-year training contract. You will gain hands-on experience with HMRC enquiries and client interactions, while working towards professional qualifications in tax. Ideal candidates will have A-level or equivalent qualifications and a curiosity to learn. This role offers a collaborative environment with strong support for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Funding for professional qualifications

Coaching and mentorship

Comprehensive training and development

Qualifications

• On track or have obtained A-level, BTEC, or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong academic performance is important but other experiences are valued.
• Deep curiosity to learn new things and a commitment to self-development.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with HMRC enquiries and disclosures.
• Draft technical reports and learn to use tax software.
• Support team members undertaking technical research of tax legislation.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Client communication

Time management

Education

A-level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications

Job description

Training Contract

As a school leaver apprentice here's what will await you during your four-year training contract: During your first three years you will:

• Gain hands‑on experience with HMRC enquiries, disclosures, and fraud investigations by supporting both corporate and personal tax clients with resolving tax issues
• Learn how to draft technical reports, letters, and advisory notes, and use tax software and systems
• Attend client meetings, engage with our clients and speak with people across a range of industries and countries
• Support team members with undertaking technical research of tax legislation and case law, and be involved in creating arguments supporting organisations and individuals undergoing various tax disputes
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in other services, offices and countries, enabling you to start to develop and build your internal network with peers and more senior team members
• Build strong foundations in tax legislation covering income tax, PAYE, Corporation tax, VAT and NIC, as well as gaining a good knowledge of HMRC's information powers and assessment and behavioural penalty regimes
• Be supported by Forvis Mazars as well as the Tax Dispute Resolution team to study towards professional qualifications in tax
• Grow your confidence in client communication and relationship management
• Deliver presentations both internally and externally as well as drafting articles for publication on the Forvis Mazars website and other third‑party sites

After Qualification

• Work on a range of different advisory engagements across UK tax, covering a range of technical areas
• Have a good awareness and strong technical knowledge of all areas of tax, as well as an environment to put your exam knowledge to test in real‑life issues
• Coach and lead more junior team members on advisory engagements
• Understand the way in which different corporate entities operate across a range of sectors
• Work directly with our clients and start acting as the main point of contact for those clients
• Begin to manage advisory engagements on your own, including planning, budgeting and project managing different service lines
• Develop a strong understanding of our control and risk management procedures

Qualifications and Attributes

On track or have obtained A‑level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications. Strong academic performance is important; however, we understand that things don't always go to plan. Our recruitment process looks at your whole self – academic achievements as well as other experiences in which you have grown and developed. You can read about our approach to academics in our FAQs.

• Deep curiosity to learn new things and is naturally inquisitive;
• The ability to think critically, solve problems and share knowledge with others;
• A commitment to self‑development and learning;
• Strong sense of ownership of duties and high levels of responsibility to deliver on promises;
• Always looks to try their best in all they do and always looks for ways to improve;
• Enjoys meeting and engaging with new people with an underlying respect for individuals, diversity, and integrity;
• Works well under pressure and has a positive 'can‑do' attitude if faced with challenging situations;
• Excellent time management skills;
• A willingness to travel and adhere to our flexible working environment.

Learning and Development

Forvis Mazars is a leading global professional services network providing audit & assurance, tax, and advisory services. Forvis Mazars in the UK spans 14 offices across the UK and has over 3,400 professionals, with 190 partners. We have a clear purpose and a shared commitment to shape a better future. You'll join a collaborative and inclusive team where you're supported to grow your skills, explore new opportunities, and contribute from day one. You'll work with a diverse client base, develop meaningful connections, and gain experience that extends beyond your local team. Together, we grow, belong and impact.

Tax at Forvis Mazars

At Forvis Mazars, we're dedicated to helping you build a rewarding career. We value your expertise, experience, and ambition, encouraging you to bring your ideas and creativity to our national tax team.

• Experts in the field: You will undertake qualifications to allow you to build the skills and knowledge to expertly navigate the UK tax landscape. Your team will support you in your journey to professional excellence; whether dealing with employment taxes, corporate profits, international transactions, or personal income.
• Client‑focused solutions: Work with a diverse range of clients, from individuals to large multinationals, providing tailored tax advice. Our team works with other specialists across different service lines within Forvis Mazars too, advising on tax, regulations and accounting and how that impacts the risk and governance of our clients.
• Commitment to excellence: Join a team that prioritises quality and trust. Our high standards ensure that every piece of advice we provide supports clients to make the most appropriately informed decisions. We are experts in managing risk and providing the latest advice, keeping on top of regulatory changes and developments in society.

You can find out more about Tax at Forvis Mazars here: Forvis Mazars | Careers | About us

About the Tax Dispute Resolution Team

As a Tax Disputes and Resolution trainee, you will play a crucial role in supporting the senior members of staff with a variety of disputes between our clients and HMRC, covering compliance checks, complex and high‑stakes enquiries, information requests or litigation work. The disputes world is a challenging and ever‑changing environment which requires an inquisitive mind, critical thinking, and a problem‑solving attitude. To work in tax disputes, you will require a high level of written work and a willingness to research technical matters in tax legislation and HMRC guidance. Working in our team, you will gain a range of experience within every sector of tax, ranging from personal tax matters of individuals to corporation tax and to VAT, putting your exam knowledge into real‑world context day to day. Your role will be diverse with no two days being the same, but you will also get all the help and client exposure you need to grow into a professional tax advisor, advance your career, and learn how to navigate enquiry and disclosure work.

Quote from a Team Member

"Joining as a school leaver was the best decision I could have ever made. Sitting here 5 years later being able to call myself a chartered accountant and chartered tax advisor is a slightly surreal feeling! I can genuinely say I could not have joined a better workplace, and I think it is so important that I can truly say I enjoy my day to day role and the impact I can make!"

Our supportive culture includes coaching, mentorship, and one‑on‑one guidance to help you grow, belong and make an impact. In addition to funding qualifications, we provide time off to study, and a blended training approach including in‑person and virtual learning. You will be allocated a buddy before joining who will support you to settle into the team and navigate your first year at Forvis Mazars. You will also receive comprehensive quality training and development to grow in your professional career; this includes development in professional excellence, client excellence, digital excellence, and technical excellence. Our goal is to support you in reaching your full potential and become a standout talent. To understand more read our FAQs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Forvis Mazars diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our values. We value our people's unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experience, and know this diversity creates better outcomes for our clients. At Forvis Mazars, we promote an environment in which you can grow your skills, belong to a team that values your ideas, and make an impact that matters.