Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026

Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026

Peterborough Full-Time 8000 - 12000 ÂŁ / month (est.) No home office possible
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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) – Peterborough – September 2026

Saffery Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Are you looking to start your career in Accounts? We’re 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 first‑class 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 – 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 clients’ behalf using a variety of online banking platforms
  • Preparing VAT and Intrastat returns
  • Preparing year‑end financial statements
  • Carrying out and reviewing ad‑hoc 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, off‑site trainee programmes, and regular social events.

What You’ll 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 We’ll Offer You (Benefits)

  • Competitive salary & paid overtime or time off in lieu
  • Profit‑sharing scheme (≈ 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 \”How to apply – Saffery\”
  • Practice psychometric tests and learn about competency‑based interviews
  • Apply to one programme during each recruitment season; if not successful, re‑apply 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 in‑person 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

Saffery is an excellent employer for aspiring accountants, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Peterborough. With a strong focus on employee development through mentorship, structured training, and access to high-profile clients, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while enjoying competitive benefits such as a profit-sharing scheme, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health resources. Join us to embark on a rewarding journey in a dynamic environment that values diversity and personal growth.
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Contact Detail:

Saffery Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice đŸ€«

We think this is how you could land Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026

✹Tip 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.

✹Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Use mock interviews to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on competency-based questions since they’re key in this role. We can help you prepare by providing resources and tips to ace those tricky scenarios.

✹Tip 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.

✹Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to follow up after your application – a little nudge can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026

Management Accounts Preparation
Account Reconciliation
Client Advisory Skills
Accounting Software Proficiency (Xero)
VAT and Intrastat Returns Preparation
Year-End Financial Statements Preparation
Cash Flow Management
Budget Preparation
Client Relationship Management
Project Ownership
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application đŸ«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 they’re 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 that’s easy to read and gets straight to the good stuff!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our recruitment process there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery

✹Know 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. It’ll show that you’re serious about the role and ready to dive into the numbers.

✹Research 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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team and not just any accounting firm.

✹Prepare 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.

✹Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t 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.

Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Saffery
Location: Peterborough
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  • Accounts Trainee (AAT/ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026

    Peterborough
    Full-Time
    8000 - 12000 ÂŁ / month (est.)
  • S

    Saffery

    50-100
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