2027 Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme

A bit about us

Big ambitions. Personal investment. That’s Beyond the Ordinary. Ready to start your career, get stuck into real work and see where your ambitions could take you? Welcome to the Tax School Leaver Apprenticeship at BDO.

The programme starts on Monday, 20th September 2027 for an organisation-wide (you need to be able to attend).

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A bit about Tax

BDO’s Tax practice spans 13 specialist areas, including Employment Tax, Private Client and Tax Dispute Resolution. With one of the largest and most diverse Employment Tax teams in professional services and one of the largest national Tax Dispute Resolution teams, there’s plenty of expertise around you to learn from. Our tax professionals work with clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to high-growth start-ups, giving you the chance to learn about different businesses and the challenges they face.

You’ll learn by doing, building your knowledge and confidence through client work. And you won’t be expected to know everything from day one. You’ll have experienced colleagues around you to answer questions, share what they know and help you develop.

It’s a place to turn big ambitions into a career, with people personally invested in your growth from the start.

About the programme

Over four years, you’ll gain hands-on experience while studying towards a professional qualification such as ACA/CTA or ATT/CTA (Tax pathway). You’ll build your technical knowledge through Tax work, develop your commercial skills and learn directly from people with experience in the field.

As you develop, you’ll get the chance to take on more responsibility, work with clients and explore where your interests could take you. Alongside that experience, you’ll have training and support to help you build your confidence and keep progressing.

Starting your career straight from school is a big step. That’s why you’ll have people around you to learn from and turn to when you have questions, while still being trusted to get involved and build your experience.

When you complete the programme, a permanent role will be waiting for you.

As for you

You’re inquisitive, adaptable and ready to learn. You enjoy getting into the detail, thinking things through and working with other people.

You don’t need to arrive knowing everything about Tax. Bring your curiosity, logical thinking and willingness to learn, and you’ll have the experience and support to build from there.

Join us in Birmingham, Ipswich, London, Reading or Southampton.

One thing to note: you’ll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. Relocation support is not provided, so please consider this carefully before applying. Time together in person matters – whether that’s in the office or with clients. It gives you more opportunities to learn from your team, build relationships and get the most from working together.

Is it for you? To apply, you’ll need:

  • Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A-B (or equivalent, for example, BTEC Extended Diploma). Please note: we do not use UCAS points. You’ll be asked to provide evidence if you’re successful in securing an offer
  • GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. You’ll also need to provide evidence if successful
  • Commitment to balance study and professional work
  • The right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for these roles as they do not meet the current minimum salary requirements for sponsorship set by the Home Office. Applications from candidates who have their own legal right to work within the UK must cover the duration of their 4-year training contract and employment.)

What you get in return

Our benefits are designed to support your life in and outside of work, with options including additional leave, gym membership and employee discounts, alongside pension, health and wellbeing support and a range of protection benefits.

Salary: £26,615 - £28,275 (depends on location)

How the interview process will go

We want you to know what to expect, so here’s the typical process:

  • Online application form.
  • Online assessments.
  • Video interview.
  • Virtual assessment centre.
  • Final interview in person.

We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share tips to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a real person.

Before you go

Starting your career is a big step. At BDO, you’ll get the chance to learn by doing, work with clients and build strong foundations for where you want to go next.

You’ll bring the big ambitions. You’ll have people around you investing in your learning, confidence and development from the start.

Big ambitions. Personal investment. That’s Beyond the Ordinary.

Apply now.

Our organisation is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.

We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.
(This means that we will supply feedback if requested after an interview.)

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Job ID Number: R21055
Can I use AI to apply?

AI tools like ChatGPT or CV-writing assistants can be a useful part of any job search. When applying for an Early Careers opportunity at BDO, we’re happy for you to use these tools to support your preparation.

However, it’s important that the information that you submit to us reflects your experience, the way that you think and work, and your communication style. Be authentic, be smart, be open, and own what you submit. AI should support your skills, not replace them.

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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    November 15th, 2026
  • Starting
    September 2027
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    £26,615 - £28,275 + benefits
  • Location
    Birmingham, Southampton, Reading, London and Ipswich
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