Audit Trainee; ACA
Leeds, West Yorkshire, ME17, England, UK
Listed on 2026-02-04
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Finance & Banking
Tax Accountant
Overview
Are you looking to start your career in audit? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification.
Who we welcomeWe recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.
About the programmeOur training contract takes 4 to 4.5 years to complete with full support and access to first-class tuition centres.
If you’reAAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for all trainees to complete the full ACA. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
Key dates to applyWindow 1: 15 September to 3 October 2025
Window 2: 3 November to 21 November 2025
Window 3: 3 February to 13 February 2026
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 role and developmentYour growthdoesn't just come from exams,andit comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning.
- You'll be taken through the various stages of an audit from planning to completion.
- Work onaudit and accounts preparation assignments for clients across diverse industries.
- Learn how to conduct client reviews, audit testing, and financial analysis.
- Visit client sites and build strong relationships to gain a deeper understanding of their business.
- Progressively take on more responsibility, enabling you to understand the full audit cycle.
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.
What you'll need- 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
What we’ll offer youWe believe thatsupporting our people leads to success, so we provide both core and flexible benefits tailored to your needs:
- 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 your first few months we do encourage up to 4 days in the office to reap the benefits of training around your managers and colleagues)
- 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.
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.
- Before submitting your application, take some time to familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting
How to apply
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