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- Tasks: Join us as an Audit Trainee and learn the full audit cycle while working with diverse clients.
- Company: Saffery, a partner-led firm of chartered accountants with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, profit-sharing, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with mentorship and training towards AAT and ACA qualifications.
- Qualifications: 120 UCAS points and strong GCSEs in Maths and English required.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant team environment with opportunities for personal growth and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 14000 £ per month.
School Leaver Audit Trainee (AAT and ACA) – Manchester – September 2026
Saffery, Manchester, United Kingdom
Overview
We are recruiting School Leaver Audit Trainees who will study towards the AAT and ACA qualifications. The programme lasts 4.5 years with strong training support and access to tuition centres. Applications are welcome from recent school leavers or career changers with no required prior work experience.
Responsibilities
- 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 relationships to understand their business.
- Progressively take on more responsibility to understand the full audit cycle.
We support you with mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes and regular social events.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels (excluding General Studies and AS Levels).
- A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
- Applicants may be AAT qualified; if not, you will complete the full AAT and ACA. If you have more than 12 months of relevant experience, consider Experienced Hire opportunities rather than this trainee programme.
Dates and Application
Window 1: 15 September 2025 – 3 October 2025
Window 2: 3 November 2025 – 21 November 2025
Early applications are encouraged. Submissions are reviewed fairly, but high volume may cause delays.
Your Growth and Culture
At Saffery we value collaboration, enthusiasm, integrity and excellence. You will be supported with mentorship, training and a team-focused environment where you are valued as a person, not just a role.
What We’ll Offer You
- Competitive salary with paid overtime or time off in lieu
- Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
- Generous annual leave and flexible work arrangements
- Contributory pension (5% salary match)
- Buddy scheme and line manager support
- Agile working policy (up to three days from home; up to four in office during training)
- Health assessments, GP access and cancer screenings
- Access to mental health and wellbeing resources
- Mentorship and career progression opportunities
- Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programmes
- Opportunity to join employee networks (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Women)
Who We Are
Saffery is a partner-led firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. We are part of Nexia and offer an informal and inclusive culture where people can grow and develop.
Ready to start your journey? Explore Life At Saffery and Apply Today.
How to Apply and Additional Information
Before applying, familiarise yourself with our recruitment process. We may reimburse travel for in-person interviews. If you require reasonable adjustments, please include details in the application form. We encourage applicants to apply to one programme per recruitment season and to reapply if unsuccessful in future cycles.
Note: This description is for the School Leaver Audit Trainee role in Manchester and reflects the information available at the time of posting.
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School Leaver Audit Trainee (AAT and ACA) - Manchester- September 2026 employer: Saffery
Contact Detail:
Saffery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Leaver Audit Trainee (AAT and ACA) - Manchester- September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Saffery. Understand their values and culture, and think about how you can fit in. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to auditing and finance. Think about your experiences, even if they’re from school or extracurricular activities, and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for learning and growing in the audit field shine through. Employers love candidates who are eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace School Leaver Audit Trainee (AAT and ACA) - Manchester- September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to explore our company culture and values. Understanding what we stand for at Saffery will help you tailor your application and show us why you're a great fit!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the School Leaver Audit Trainee role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they’re from school projects or extracurricular activities. We love seeing your personality shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear 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 submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your maths skills, especially if you’ve got a GCSE in Maths. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used numbers in your studies or any relevant projects. This shows you’re ready for the financial analysis part of the role.
✨Research the Company
Dive into Saffery’s values and culture. Understand their approach to audits and client relationships. Being able to chat about what makes them unique will impress the interviewers and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training programme, mentorship opportunities, or even the team dynamics. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn more about your potential future.
✨Show Enthusiasm
Let your passion for the role shine through! Talk about why you’re excited about starting your career in auditing and how you see yourself growing within the company. A positive attitude can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.