At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare management accounts, assist clients, and work on diverse accounting projects.
- Company: Join Saffery, a supportive and people-focused firm of chartered accountants.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Mentorship, career progression, and social events to build connections.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with ACCA training and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree and minimum 120 UCAS points required; AAT qualified candidates welcome.
Accounts Trainee (ACCA) – Peterborough – September 2026
Saffery, Peterborough, England, United Kingdom
Overview
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 ACCA qualification.
Who We Welcome
We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.
About the Programme
Our training contract takes four 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 ACCA. Studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
Key Dates to Apply
19 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Please note that the next stage of our recruitment process (psychometric testing) will be paused from 19 December 2025 until 11 January 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted during this period, and candidates may then be invited to complete a psychometric test in mid‑January 2026.
Your Role and Development
Your growth comes from exams, 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
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
- 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 include your qualification details in the academic section of your application. 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.
Culture
At Saffery we look for people who share our values: collaborative, enthusiastic, acting 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
Financial support & flexibility
- Competitive salary & paid overtime or time off in lieu
- 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, with up to four days in the office during first months)
- 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 (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women)
About Saffery
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, 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, rewarding careers.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore Life At Saffery & Apply Today.
Seniority Level
Internship
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Other
Industries
Accounting
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Accounts Trainee (ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026 employer: Saffery
Saffery is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a flexible working week, generous leave policy, and comprehensive health benefits, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful compliance efforts in the financial sector. The London location provides unique networking opportunities and exposure to a diverse client base, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in financial crime compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Trainee (ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Saffery or similar firms on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to accounting and teamwork. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for accounting! During interviews, share your journey towards the ACCA qualification and any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Trainee (ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Accounts Trainee role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with what we’re looking for, even if they come from different backgrounds.
Show Your Enthusiasm:We love seeing passion! In your written application, express why you’re excited about the opportunity to study towards the ACCA qualification and how it fits into your career goals.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment. Plus, applying through our website is super easy and ensures your application gets to us directly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting basics and be ready to discuss key concepts related to management accounts, VAT, and financial statements. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of what the job entails.
✨Research the Company
Take some time to learn about Saffery and their values. Understanding their client base and the services they offer will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the training programme, mentorship opportunities, or the company culture. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more about your potential future.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. Practising common interview questions can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making a great impression on the interviewers.
