Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACA or AAT/ACCA) - Manchester - September 2026
Saffery, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
About the Programme
Our training contract takes 4.5 years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres. If you are AAT Level 4 qualified you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise we ask all trainees to complete the full AAT/ACA or AAT/ACCA qualification. Studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
Key Dates to Apply
- Window 1: 15 September to 3 October 2025
- Window 2: 3 November to 21 November 2025
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.
Role and Development
Your growth doesn’t just come from exams, 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.
- 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
Qualifications
- 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. If 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.
Financial Support & Flexibility
- Competitive salary and paid overtime or time off in lieu
- Profit‑sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
- Generous annual leave and 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; in the first few months we encourage up to four days in the office to maximise training)
- Health assessments, GP access and cancer screenings
- Access to mental health & wellbeing resources
Personal Development & Belonging
- Mentorship and career progression opportunities
- Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
- Volunteer in one of our People networks (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Women)
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. As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, we have 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.
What To Know Before You Apply
- Before submitting your application, take some time to familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting How to apply – Saffery.
- We also recommend practising psychometric tests and learning more about how to approach a face‑to‑face, competency‑based interview. This will help you feel confident and prepared to show your best self.
- You can apply to just one of our programmes during each recruitment season. If your application isn’t successful this time, we’d love for you to try again when applications re‑open next September for the following year.
- If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances (such as bereavement, mental health challenges, or any other unforeseen situation) that may have impacted your academic performance, please reach out to us before you submit an application – EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com.
- If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by including the details in the relevant section on the application form. We’re committed to assessing all applicants fairly and want to do everything we can to support your success throughout the process.
- If you are selected for an in‑person interview, we will provide reimbursement for your travel expenses. More information on what we cover will be shared at this stage of the process.
- If you’re offered a place at Saffery, we kindly recommend holding off on booking any annual leave around your expected start date. This helps ensure you don’t miss out on important training and onboarding sessions that will set you up for success.
