Tax Apprentice

Based - Manchester

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

Accounting Apprentice | Premier Foods, Manchester

Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician

1st Year Salary: £23,809 per annum

5 Weeks Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

The Assessment Centre will take place on 17th of July 2026. You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of brands like Mr Kipling, Ambrosia and Batchelors? At Premier Foods, our finance teams keep everything running - join us as an Accounting Apprentice in Manchester.

This is a unique opportunity to start your career in finance, gaining hands-on experience and professional qualifications while supporting the performance of well-known UK brands and helping drive a successful business behind the scenes.

What You’ll Be Doing:

As an apprentice, you’ll work towards completing the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician programme through First Intuition, combining academic learning with real-world experience in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll join an experienced and established tax team, gaining exposure to both direct and indirect taxes while building your technical knowledge, developing key skills such as communication, organisation, prioritisation and problem-solving, and gaining experience with financial systems such as SAP

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll build knowledge and hands-on skills in areas such as:

• Technical Accounting

• Management Accounting

• Business Awareness

• Ethical Standards

• Regulations & Compliance

• Leadership & Professional Scepticism

You’ll also gain practical experience through a range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the preparation and analysis of monthly VAT returns

• Assisting with indirect tax processes, including Plastic Packaging Tax and other returns

• Maintaining accurate tax coding on products through research and analysis

• Supporting corporate and international tax activities where required

• Assisting with customs duties and balance sheet reconciliations

• Analysing financial data using SAP to support wider reporting and tax processes

You’ll be supported by experienced finance professionals as you apply your learning to real business challenges across the site, helping to ensure accuracy and compliance while developing key skills in communication, organisation and problem-solving.

What We’re Looking For:

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including English, with Maths at grade 6 or above

• Three A-levels or equivalent at A*-C (obtained or predicted) excluding General Studies

• Well organised, able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

• Great attention to detail and a strong desire to learn

• Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team

• A positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges

• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel

What We Offer in return:

• A competitive salary, increasing each year based on successful academic and practical progress

• Clear progression opportunities, with support and encouragement to complete the Level 7 Professional Accountant apprenticeship

• Company pension scheme with life assurance

• 5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays

• Access to a range of employee benefits, including:

• Staff discount scheme
• ShareSave scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• BOOST – our Apprentice Skills Development Network

The Next Step...

If you’re ready to take your first step into a career in finance and want to be part of a team that makes a real impact every day, click apply via our website and upload your CV.

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.