Personal Tax Trainee; ATT​/CTA

School Leaver Personal Tax Trainee (ATT/CTA) - Manchester - September 2027

Are you looking to start your career in Personal Tax, helping individuals manage their tax affairs with confidence? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ATT/CTA tax pathway qualification.

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.

Who we welcome

We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from upcoming and recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.

Our training contract takes three years and three months to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. You’ll follow a structured development programme combining professional study with on-the-job learning. As your knowledge and confidence develop, you’ll take on more complex work, contribute to projects and build your expertise as a trusted advisor.

Our bespoke School Leaver Programme, developed with Kaplan, includes a six-week business simulation designed to build key professional skills such as teamwork, decision-making and leadership. Kaplan has successfully delivered this programme for several years and it has consistently received excellent feedback from participants.

If you’reAAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for all trainees to complete the full ATT/CTA syllabus. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.

Key dates to apply:

Monday 14 September 2026 - Sunday 4 October 2026

We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, as roles may close early due to high demand.

Due to the volume of applications, you may occasionally experience delays; however, we remain committed to reviewing all applications fairly. All applications are assessed by trained human reviewers, and automated tools are not used to make final decisions.

Your role and development

Your growthdoesn't just come from exams. It comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning.

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.

What you’ll do

• Assist with tax returns, computations and other compliance filings for a range of clients.
• Work with financial and client data to support reporting, analysis and submissions.
• Use specialist software and systems to deliver high-quality tax work.
• Carry out technical research and support client projects, queries and advisory work.
• Prepare reports, calculations and documentation for review by senior colleagues.
• Build relationships with clients and colleagues while gaining exposure to a variety of industries and sectors.
• Contribute to delivering accurate, practical solutions that help clients meet their tax obligations and achieve their goals.
• Work on specialist personal tax planning projects.

What you’ll…