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On our graduate programme, you’ll experience real responsibility and purpose from day one. Working with people who value your ideas and invest in your success, you’ll be helping to solve complex business challenges while earning a respected qualification at the same time - all with the support of a friendly and welcoming team that brings out the best in you.

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iconJob ID:
R21077
iconLocation:
Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Glasgow, United Kingdom
iconDate posted:
23 September 2026
iconCategory:
Graduate

2027 Tax Graduate Programme - Scotland

A bit about us

Big responsibility. Personal support. That’s Beyond the Ordinary.

Want to get stuck into client work, tackle complex problems and build your career in Tax? Welcome to the Tax Graduate Programme at BDO.

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


A bit about Tax

BDO’s Tax practice spans 13 specialist areas, including Employment Tax, Private Client and Tax Dispute Resolution. Our tax professionals work with clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to high-growth start-ups, giving you the chance to build experience across different businesses and challenges.

You’ll get involved in dynamic work and take on more responsibility as your confidence grows. And you’ll have people around you to help – from teammates and managers to directors and partners who can share their experience, answer questions and support your development.

It’s big responsibility with personal support – and the chance to build a career that’s your own.


And a bit about the programme

Over three years, you’ll gain hands-on experience while studying towards ICAS/CTA qualifications. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, developing your technical knowledge through client work while building your commercial skills and confidence.

There’s plenty of room to explore where your strengths and interests could take you. As you develop, you’ll take on more responsibility, build relationships with clients and colleagues, and have opportunities to shape the direction of your career.

The support is there too. Our graduates talk about being trusted with projects early, working directly with clients and having approachable senior colleagues around them as they learn. So while you’ll be challenged to grow, you won’t be doing it alone.

When you successfully complete the programme and pass the exams, you’ll be fully qualified as a tax advisor, and guaranteed a permanent role with us.


As for you

You’re inquisitive, resilient and motivated. You enjoy solving problems, thinking things through and learning something new.

You don’t need to arrive knowing everything. Bring your curiosity, logical mindset and willingness to get involved, and you’ll have the support and experience to develop from there.


Join us in our Edinburgh or Glasgow hub

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:

  • A minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline (obtained or predicted)
  • Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Highers or 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

£29,000 per annum

Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th November 2026


Before you go

Wherever you join BDO, you’ll have the chance to learn by doing, work with clients and build your career with people around you to support your development.

The opportunity to build your experience, confidence and career without having to do it alone.

Big responsibility. Personal support.

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.

#LI

Apply now

Success Profile

What makes you successful on the 2027 Tax Graduate Programme - Scotland? Check out the traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right skill level.

  • Business thinking
  • Communicating
  • Decision making
  • Developing self & others
  • Collaborating
  • Innovation & Change

Our culture at BDO

We’re a thriving business that is respectful and client-focused while remaining firmly anchored in our core purpose – helping you succeed. Our Unifying Culture encourages us to be ourselves, to be inspired, challenged, collaborative and ultimately successful.

How we’ll support you.

We offer a range of support services to help you thrive in your new role. From study leave to taking care of your mental wellbeing, we'll be with you every step of the way.

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Buddy support

Your buddy will have first-hand experience of what it’s like to work and study towards a professional qualification and will support and guide you as you settle into your new career.

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People Manager support

Your PM will play a pivotal role in your career journey, providing guidance and support throughout your day-to-day work and your studies.

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Dedicated study support & study leave

Our Professional Qualifications team will assist you with everything from exam bookings to study leave allocations.

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Peer networks

Sharing your experience of working and studying with other trainees will see you building networks and future friends to support you throughout your career.

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Workable

Discover life at BDO from all angles – the office, client sites, or occasionally, your home. We’ll need you to join us in the office so we can best support your development, so ensure you’re a commutable distance away.

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BDO Networks

We have a number of groups where you can celebrate being yourself, including BLEND (LGBTQ+ network), BDO Inspire (Gender balance network), CEDAR (Celebrating Ethnic Diversity and Races network).

Big enough to matter, personal enough to care. Go beyond the ordinary.

Rewards & Benefits

We offer a wide range of core and voluntary benefits, with a few examples below.

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Holidays

Our holiday benefit enables you to purchase up to 10 days of additional leave.

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Health and Wellness Programmes

We promote a positive working environment where our people can thrive.

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Bike to work scheme

A convenient, environmentally friendly and tax-effective way to acquire a bike for travelling to and from work.

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Pension Plan

A Group Personal Pension Plan, with matched employer contributions.

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Private Medical

Access to private medical treatment for you and your family.

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Income Protection Plan

Provides a proportion of your basic salary if you suffer a loss of earnings because of illness or injury.