At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Accounts Associate, working with high-profile clients and diverse projects.
- Company: Saffery LLP, a leading UK accountancy firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, hybrid policy, 25 days leave, and profit-sharing.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to equality, diversity, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Grow your skills in a dynamic environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or part-qualified CA/ACCA with strong numeracy and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Our Edinburgh office is looking for a talented individual to join us as an Accounts Associate within our Accounts team. The successful candidate is expected to be an enthusiastic AAT qualified or partially CA/ACCA qualified accountant who is keen to grow their technical skills in a supportive team environment.
This is 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 is permanent and would suit an AAT, ACCA/CA part‑qualified accountant who is seeking to consolidate their knowledge of accounts, compliance and trusts, and take it to the next level by building on their advisory, client management and supervisory skills. The candidate would be responsible for working on a variety of clients’ affairs, and the role would include (but is not limited to) the following key elements, within agreed deadlines:
- Preparation of year‑end financial statements
- Taking ownership of ad‑hoc advisory projects
- Review of work prepared by other members of the team
- Work planning and annual timetabling
- Billing and financial management
- Cross‑departmental communication
- Building and maintaining client relationships
Experience of preparing year end accounts using accounts production software such as CCH or an equivalent is also required.
The accounts department have experienced high growth in recent years and offer an exciting variety of work with great development opportunities. The team currently consists of 13 members of staff of varying levels of experience and responsibility. You will have the opportunity to work closely with clients, working as part of the team alongside the partners, in order to deliver a high‑quality service. All of our team are provided with high levels of training and one‑to‑one support in order to help them achieve their personal career objectives.
Preferably AAT qualified/ part way through CA/ACCA qualification and some prior experience of working in practice. Strong numeracy and analytical skills, along with the ability to learn quickly. A good knowledge of Excel and Word is essential. Understanding of other accounting systems would be helpful but is not an essential requirement. Self‑motivated and pro‑active, with the ability to organise your own workload. Display a flexible, professional approach and have the confidence and ability to communicate effectively with managers, partners and clients. Natural team player with a positive and enthusiastic attitude and excellent eye for detail. Excellent organisational skills and ability to work on multiple jobs at once. Ability to work in a pressured environment. Proactive nature and enjoys working as part of a team.
A 35 hour working week and a hybrid working policy with a minimum of 2 days in the office (our core hours are 10‑4). Excellent benefits including a contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, Life Assurance cover and great flexible benefits and family friendly policies. Eligibility for the firm’s Profit‑Sharing Plan. Paid in December.
Saffery LLP is an adviser to individuals and businesses across a range of sectors, providing market‑leading accountancy, audit, business advisory, tax and VAT services. Founded in 1855, we are the UK’s 15th largest accountancy firm. When you work with us at Saffery, you work with people who know your name, not just a job title. We’re a place shaped by friendly, intelligent people who are individually excellent and collectively exceptional. We’re committed to our clients, but also to our greatest asset – our people.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us. With our ED&I strategy, Everyone Belongs, we are building on our positive work culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and strengthen our equitable culture of inclusion, led from the top. We hope you will apply to us, whatever your background, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability or neurodivergence, because individual differences equal collective strength. Built on values of excellence, integrity, enthusiasm and collegiality, Saffery is where Potential meets Personal.
Accounts Associate employer: Saffery Champness
Saffery LLP is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to training and one-on-one support, our Accounts Associate role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with high-profile clients while enjoying a flexible working environment, competitive benefits, and a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Accounts Associate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their success. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in joining the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the role. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for accounting shine through! We want to see that you're excited about the role and eager to grow your skills within our supportive team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially with year-end financial statements and client management. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Associate, you'll be dealing with financial statements and compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of year-end accounts preparation and be ready to discuss your experience with accounting software like CCH. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also practical and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Client Skills
Since this role involves client-facing work, think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships or provided advisory services. Be prepared to share how you’ve handled challenging situations with clients, as this will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
✨Be a Team Player
The team at Saffery LLP values collaboration, so highlight your experiences working in teams. Share specific instances where you contributed to team projects or supported colleagues. This will help convey your positive attitude and willingness to work together towards common goals.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of clients you’ll be working with. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
