Accounts Trainee; ACCA or ICAS

Role Summary

Are you looking to start your career in Accounts? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACCA or ICAS qualification.

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

Our training contract takes at least 4 years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres. If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise we ask all trainees to complete the full ACCA or ICAS. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.

Applications close on 26 July 2026.

• Preparing management accounts, including reconciling all key account balances and tailoring the presentation specific to each client
• Assisting and advising clients on issues in their accounting systems, including software migration
• Agreeing and executing payment runs on clients’ behalf using a variety of online banking platforms
• Preparing VAT and Intrastat returns
• Preparation of year‑end financial statements
• Carrying out and reviewing ad‑hoc tasks such as cash flows, budgets and information for third parties
• Maintaining relationships with clients and taking ownership of projects and tasks as appropriate
• Processing work on Xero, and other accounting software

We’ll support you every step of the way through mentorship, structured training, and our off‑site trainee programmes as well as regular social events to build friendships with colleagues.

• A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels or Highers (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
• A minimum of B (or
  6) in National 5 or GCSE Maths and English Language.

We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified. If you have over 12 months relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, we recommend exploring part‑qualified opportunities on our Experienced Hire vacancy page.

• Competitive salary
• Profit‑sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
• Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
• Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)

• Buddy scheme and or line manager support
• Agile working policy (up to three days working from home; however in the first few months we encourage up to 4 days in the office)
• Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings
• Access to mental health & wellbeing resources

• Mentorship & career progression opportunities
• Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
• Volunteer to join one of our People networks for example Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women

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.

• Before submitting your application, familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting
  
  How to apply
  
  – Saffery.
• Practice psychometric tests and learn how to approach a face‑to‑face, competency‑based interview.
• You can apply to just one of our programmes during each recruitment season. If your application isn’t successful this time, you can try again when applications re‑open next September for the following year.
• If you have experienced extenuating circumstances that may have impacted your academic performance, please reach out to E
• If you require any reasonable adjustments, let us know by including the details in the relevant section on the application form.
• If you are selected for an in‑person interview, we will provide reimbursement for your travel expenses.
• If you’re offered a place, we recommend holding off on booking any annual leave around your expected start date.