Accounts Trainee; AAT​/ACCA or ICAS

Your future starts here

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 AAT/ACCA or AAT/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 4.5 years (for AAT-ACCA) / four years (for ICAS) to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres.

If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified (AAT/ACCA only), you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for all trainees to complete the full AAT/ACCA or ICAS. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.

• Window 1: 15 September to 3 October 2025
• Window 2: 3 November to 21 November 2025
• Window 3: 3 February to 1 March 2026

We will re‑open vacancies across the year so sign up for job alerts from our main vacancy page.

We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment. Due to high volume, you may experience delays in the process but we will review all submissions fairly.

Your growth doesn’t just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning.

You’ll work in a friendly and progressive environment in a client‑facing, fast‑paced role which includes advisory elements and often deals with high‑profile clients.

The work is varied and ranges from typical year‑end compliance through to ad‑hoc advisory and project work. The client base is a mix of sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, limited‑liability partnerships, trusts and smaller private charities.

The role would include (but is not limited to) the following, within agreed deadlines:

• 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 equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
• A minimum of 6 (or
  
  B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).

We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified. Please apply as usual and be sure to include your qualification details in the academic section.

If however, 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.

At Saffery, we look for people who share our values - those who are collaborative
, enthusiastic
, and act with integrity while always striving for excellence
. You’ll be approachable and committed, ready to take ownership and go the extra mile to deliver our signature service.

We’ll value drive, focus, and a positive attitude. Here, you’re never just a number. We want your personality and style to shine because we believe in caring more and letting egos take a back seat. We work hard, we support each other, and we enjoy the journey together.

We’ll help you get to know our clients, but it’s even better if you’re already curious about the broader economic landscape they operate in. Do your research. Ask questions. Be inquisitive.

We know the AAT/ACA or AAT/ACCA or ICAS exams are demanding, and we’ll be right there to support you every step of the way. Your…