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).
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.
And a bit about Tax
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, Gatwick, Guildford, 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.)
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.
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)
Closing date - Sunday 15th November 2026
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 wherever you want your career to take you.
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
Skills Required
- Three A-levels or equivalent at grades A*-C, excluding General Studies and Extended Projects; alternatively, four Scottish Advanced Highers at grades A-B or equivalent BTEC Extended Diploma.
- GCSEs at grade 4 or above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grades A-C.
- Commitment to balancing professional work and study.
- Right to work in the UK for the full four-year training contract and employment; visa sponsorship is unavailable.
- Live within a commutable distance of the selected office in Birmingham, Ipswich, London, Reading, or Southampton.
What We Do
BDO UK provides tax, audit and assurance, advisory and business outsourcing services to companies across all sectors of the economy. We make the time and effort to understand our clients’ businesses and markets. Our partners and staff are specialists in their fields and have a proactive, flexible approach to helping clients overcoming the challenges they face. We aim to be as innovative and entrepreneurial as our clients. Our approach and expertise are what help us deliver exceptional client service. 95% of our clients would recommend us. We operate from 18 offices, covering all major business centres, so that we can be close to our clients. We employ 7,500 people who are allowed to be themselves; taking responsibility for their work and their relationships with clients. All our people share core values that underpin both our culture and the value that we bring to our clients. BDO LLP is a key member of the BDO global network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms. The firms have representation in 164 territories, with 95,400 people working out of 1,710 offices. Being a member of the BDO global network allows us to meet the needs of clients who are growing and trading internationally.
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