At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Graduate Audit Trainee and learn the full audit cycle.
- Company: Saffery, a partner-led firm of chartered accountants with a community focus.
- Benefits: Profit-sharing, flexible work arrangements, generous leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in audit with full support and mentorship while studying for ACA.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and minimum UCAS points; AAT qualified candidates welcome.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
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 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.
About the programme
Our training contract takes three 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 ACA. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
Key dates to apply
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 development
Your growth doesn’t just come from exams; it 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 on audit 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
- 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline
- 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.
Values and culture
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.
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, 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
- Personal development and belonging
- 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
Who we are
Saffery is a partner-led firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers with a strong community focus.
Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA) - Leeds - January 2027 employer: Saffery Champness
At Saffery, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive environment for our Graduate Audit Trainees in Leeds. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, structured training, and a vibrant work culture, we ensure that our employees not only gain valuable experience but also enjoy a healthy work-life balance through flexible arrangements and generous benefits. Our commitment to personal development and inclusivity makes Saffery a rewarding place to kickstart your career in audit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA) - Leeds - January 2027
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or join local professional groups. You never know who might have a lead on an opportunity or can give you insider tips about the audit world.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident. Focus on articulating your passion for audit and how your background makes you a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality beyond just your CV.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA) - Leeds - January 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Audit Trainee role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects from your degree that showcase your analytical abilities and teamwork.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share why you’re interested in audit and how your background makes you a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Values:We love candidates who resonate with our values of collaboration, integrity, and excellence. In your application, give examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in your studies or previous experiences.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, so get your materials in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery Champness
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of audit and the ACA qualification. Brush up on key terms and concepts, as well as the specific responsibilities of a Graduate Audit Trainee. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Your Values
Saffery is looking for candidates who embody collaboration, enthusiasm, and integrity. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture and work environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the training programme, mentorship opportunities, and the types of clients you might work with. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common interview questions. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you're in the actual interview.
