At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Graduate Audit Trainee and support diverse clients in financial reporting.
- Company: Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich heritage and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, profit-sharing, generous leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment where your individuality is valued and growth is supported.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in audit with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and strong A Level results; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
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. We pride ourselves on our informal and inclusive culture, building an environment where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers.
Who we welcome
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 three 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.
Your role and development
Your growth doesn’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 and controls work.
- How to assess risk and evaluate financial information critically.
- The practical application of your professional qualification studies in a real-world environment.
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
- 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline.
- 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 6 (or B) in GCSE or National 5 Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified. If you have completed AAT studies (up to Level 4) in place of A Levels or Highers, please detail this under the A Level, Scottish Highers (or equivalent) qualifications section on your application form.
Where potential meets personal meets you
At Saffery, we look for people who share our values. We're looking for individuals who are collaborative, responsible, progressive and act with integrity, whilst always striving for excellence. You’ll be approachable, committed and ready to take ownership of your work, with a proactive and curious mindset and a genuine interest in how businesses operate.
What we’ll offer you
- Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year).
- Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements.
- Contributory pension plan (5% salary match).
- Work life balance & wellbeing.
- Buddy scheme and/or line manager support.
- Agile working policy (up to three days working from home).
- 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.
If you are selected for an in-person interview, we will provide reimbursement for your travel expenses.
Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA) - Bournemouth - Immediate Start/January 2027 employer: Saffery Champness
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