Audit Trainee; ACA

School Leaver Audit Trainee (ACA) - Manchester - September 2027

Are you looking to start your career in Audit, helping businesses build confidence in their financial reporting and decision-making? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification.

Who we are

Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, we’ve built long-term relationships with our diverse, high-profile clients, across varied and specialised sectors. As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, we’ve got access to local insight on a global scale.

We pride ourselves on our informal and inclusive culture, building an environment where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers.

When you work with Saffery, the well-respected accountancy firm where heritage meets ambition, you work with people who know your name. Who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always.

Who we welcome

We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from upcoming and recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.

Our training contract takes four years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. You’ll follow a structured development programme combining professional study with on-the-job learning. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on more responsibility within audit engagements, contribute to more complex areas of work and build your confidence working directly with clients.

Our bespoke School Leaver Programme, developed with Kaplan, includes a six-week business simulation designed to build key professional skills such as teamwork, decision-making and leadership. Kaplan has successfully delivered this programme for several years and it has consistently received excellent feedback from participants.

If you’reAAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for all trainees to complete the full ACA syllabus. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.

Key dates to apply:

Monday 14 September 2026 - Sunday 4 October 2026

We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, as roles may close early due to high demand.

Due to the volume of applications, you may occasionally experience delays; however, we remain committed to reviewing all applications fairly. All applications are assessed by trained human reviewers, and automated tools are not used to make final decisions.

Your role and development

Your growthdoesn't just come from exams. It comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning.

What you’ll do

• You'll be taken through the various stages of an audit from planning to completion
• Support audit engagements for clients across a diverse range of industries by testing financial information and reviewing key controls
• Prepare clear, well-structured audit documentation and working papers
• Work with client financial data using a range of accounting systems and audit tools
• Assist with planning and fieldwork, both in the office and on client sites
• Build strong relationships with clients to gain a deeper understanding of their business
• Help identify and investigate differences or inconsistencies in financial information
• Work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality audit work to agreed deadlines

What you’ll learn

• Core audit and accounting principles, including regulatory and reporting requirements
• How audits are planned, delivered and reviewed in practice
• How businesses operate and how their financial processes…