At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accounts, assist clients, and manage projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Saffery, a people-focused firm with a rich history since 1855.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your accounting career with mentorship and real client exposure.
- Qualifications: 120 UCAS points and strong GCSEs in Maths and English required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 12000 ÂŁ per month.
Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) â Peterborough â September 2026
Saffery Peterborough, England, United Kingdom
Are you looking to start your career in Accounts? Weâre seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the AAT/ACCA qualification.
Who We Welcome
We encourage applications from recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have prior relevant work experience.
About the Programme
Our training contract takes 4.5 years to complete and provides full support and access to firstâclass tuition centres. If you hold an AAT Level 4 qualification, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise all trainees complete the full AAT/ACCA programme. Studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
Key Dates to Apply
3 November 2025 â 21 November 2025
We encourage early applications to avoid delays. We will review all submissions fairly.
Your Role and Development (Responsibilities)
- Preparing management accounts, including reconciling key account balances and tailoring the presentation for each client
- Assisting and advising clients on accounting system issues, including software migration
- Agreeing and executing payment runs on clientsâ behalf using a variety of online banking platforms
- Preparing VAT and Intrastat returns
- Preparing yearâend financial statements
- Carrying out and reviewing adâhoc tasks such as cash flows, budgets and information for third parties
- Maintaining client relationships and taking ownership of projects and tasks as appropriate
- Processing work on Xero and other accounting software
We support you through mentorship, structured training, offâsite trainee programmes, and regular social events.
What Youâll Need (Qualifications)
- Minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels (excluding General Studies and AS Levels)
- Minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent)
We welcome applications from AAT qualified candidates. Include qualification details in the academic section of your application.
Our Culture
We look for people who are collaborative, enthusiastic and act with integrity while striving for excellence. We value drive, focus and a positive attitude, and we encourage curiosity about the broader economic landscape our clients operate in.
What Weâll Offer You (Benefits)
- Competitive salary & paid overtime or time off in lieu
- Profitâsharing scheme (â ÂŁ1,000 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; first few months up to four days in the office)
- Health assessments, GP access and cancer screenings
- Access to mental health & wellbeing resources
- Mentorship & career progression opportunities
- Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programme
- Volunteer to join People networks (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Women)
How to Apply
- Familiarise yourself with our recruitment process by visiting \âHow to apply â Saffery\â
- Practice psychometric tests and learn about competencyâbased interviews
- Apply to one programme during each recruitment season; if not successful, reâapply in September next year
- Contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com for extenuating circumstances that impacted academic performance
- Request reasonable adjustments in your application
- Travel reimbursement will be provided for inâperson interviews
- After being offered a place, please avoid booking holiday around the expected start date to attend training and onboarding sessions
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Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026 employer: Saffery
Contact Detail:
Saffery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ€«
We think this is how you could land Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
âšTip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Saffery. Understand their values, culture, and the kind of clients they work with. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
âšTip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use mock interviews to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on competency-based questions since theyâre key in this role. We can help you prepare by providing resources and tips to ace those tricky scenarios.
âšTip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! As an Accounts Trainee, you'll be client-facing, so highlight your communication and teamwork abilities. Share examples from school projects or any group activities where you took the lead or helped resolve conflicts.
âšTip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre proactive and serious about the opportunity. Donât forget to follow up after your application â a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Some tips for your application đ«Ą
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for accounts shine through! We want to see why you're excited about starting your career with us and how you plan to tackle the AAT/ACCA journey.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if theyâre from school projects or part-time jobs. We love seeing how you can relate your background to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application thatâs easy to read and gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, youâll find all the info you need about the role and our recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
âšKnow Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting basics! Since this role involves preparing management accounts and financial statements, make sure you can confidently discuss key concepts like VAT, cash flows, and reconciliations. Itâll show that youâre serious about the role and ready to dive into the numbers.
âšResearch the Company
Take some time to learn about Saffery and its culture. Understanding their values and client base will help you tailor your answers during the interview. Plus, it shows that youâre genuinely interested in being part of their team and not just any accounting firm.
âšPrepare for Competency Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team. Think of examples from school projects or any relevant experiences where you demonstrated these skills. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
âšAsk Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, donât forget to ask questions! Inquire about the mentorship programme or how they support career progression. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.