2026 Graduate Tax Assistant

Job Title: Graduate Tax Assistant

This role does not provide sponsorship

We're looking for bright and committed graduates who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.

Role Overview

The role is based within the Tax Team at our Dartford Head Office and provides practical experience across the key areas of tax that support the UK business. The Tax Assistant will work with colleagues across Corporate Tax, VAT, Employment Taxes and RDEC, helping to deliver compliance, reporting, audit support, process improvements and day-to-day tax advisory support.

This placement offers exposure to a broad range of tax activities, including the preparation of tax computations and returns, analysis of financial data, maintenance of tax documentation and engagement with internal stakeholders and external advisors.

The successful candidate will support the Tax Team in ensuring tax information is accurate, well controlled and delivered to agreed deadlines, while developing an understanding of how tax applies in a complex construction and engineering environment.

A flexible approach, strong attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively are important, as the role will involve managing varied tax tasks, responding to information requests and supporting continuous improvement within the team.

You will be a detailed and deadline-focused individual with strong analytical skills, a willingness to learn and an interest in developing a broad foundation in tax.

Location

Dartford – Head Office

Qualifications

Business degrees preferred (i.e., Accounting and Finance, Business Studies etc) but other degrees considered

Professional Accreditation

Option of either ACCA or ICAEW accounting qualifications

Key Deliverables and Accountabilities

The primary responsibilities for this role within the Tax Team include supporting the delivery of tax compliance, reporting and advisory activities across Corporate Tax, VAT, Employment Taxes and RDEC. Key deliverables and accountabilities include:

· Assisting with the preparation of tax computations, returns, payments and supporting schedules in line with internal deadlines and statutory filing requirements

· Supporting Corporate Tax compliance activities, including information gathering, analysis of financial data, preparation of schedules and maintenance of tax working papers

· Assisting with VAT compliance processes, including preparing data for VAT returns, reviewing transaction listings, undertaking basic reconciliations and supporting responses to VAT queries

· Providing support on Employment Taxes matters, including gathering information for PAYE, P11D, PSA and other employee-related tax reporting requirements

· Supporting the RDEC process by helping to collate project information, maintain claim documentation, analyse qualifying expenditure and respond to information requests from internal stakeholders and external advisors

· Assisting with periodic tax reporting, forecasting and year-end audit deliverables, including preparing analysis and responding to audit queries where required

· Updating and improving tax data files, Excel trackers and reporting templates, ensuring information is complete, well structured and easy to review

· Undertaking research and analysis to support tax projects, process improvements, risk management activities and ad hoc tax advisory work

· Building effective working relationships with colleagues across Finance, Payroll, HR, Commercial, Projects and the wider business to obtain information and resolve tax-related queries

· Contributing to the continuous improvement of tax processes, controls and documentation, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency and clear communication

The Laing O'Rourke Graduate Development Programme - what can you expect?

Our graduate programme is designed to embrace and develop your capabilities. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to continue learning throughout your career. You will be stretched, challenged and supported by a business that views your personal development and the achievement of professional accreditation as a priority. Our programme will give you the practical experience, technical learning and professional development while being part of the some of the most exciting construction and infrastructure projects in the UK.

Our Application Process

We are committed to providing a clear and supportive recruitment journey. Here is what you can expect when applying for one of our graduate opportunities:

· CV Submission Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for.

· Online Assessment You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills.

· Video Interview At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently.

· Assessment Centre Our in-person assessment centres, held at a LOR office, provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of individual tasks, short interviews, and group activities. This is also a chance to experience our culture first-hand.

· Outcome We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your assessment centre within two weeks.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may close a role once enough candidates have applied. We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible so you don't miss the opportunity to be considered.

Entry requirements

We are looking for graduates who meet the following criteria:

· Studying or have obtained a Business related degree (i.e., Accounting and Finance, Business Studies etc) but other degrees considered

· Studying a degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation

· Your degree classification should be 2:1 or higher

· Strong numeracy and literacy skills

· Flexibility as you may be required to work away

· Eligible to work in the UK

Accessibility and Support We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all

candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.