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- Tasks: Join us as a Graduate Audit Trainee, working on exciting audit and accounts projects.
- Company: Saffery is a leading firm of chartered accountants with a rich history since 1855.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a profit-sharing plan to boost your earnings.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment while studying for your ACA qualification.
- Qualifications: You need a 2:1 degree and at least 120 UCAS points from A Levels.
- Other info: Applications close early due to high demand, so apply soon!
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 14000 £ per month.
Opportunity Details
Right now, we’re looking for university graduates wanting to start their career in audit as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification. This will be offered under a Level 7 apprenticeship and will take three years to complete. Exemptions will only apply if you’re AAT Level 4 qualified. We\’ve found it gives you a much better chance of success with your exams if you’re studying the full ACA programme with a cohort.
Application Windows
We are live for applications until 27 July 2025. Please note due to high popularity for these positions, applications are likely to close earlier than stated. We wouldn\’t want you to lose out, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
About The Team
The Corporate Group audits businesses ranging from UK Listed companies to family owned/entrepreneurial businesses. We operate in all sectors but have a particular focus on professional partnerships, financial service companies, entrepreneurs, charities and schools, recruitment, retail and natural resources. We also deal with a number of international groups that have subsidiaries in the UK or are a UK parent company with subsidiaries overseas. We provide audit and advisory services including corporate finance services. As a trainee within this team, you will be focused on audit and accounts work for various clients.
About Your Role
Qualifying is not just about passing your exams; gaining valuable work experience is so important. You\’ll work in a friendly and progressive environment on audit and accounts preparation assignments, with exposure to clients from different industries. We guarantee an exciting and varied learning experience.
We\’ll show you each part of a file review. You\’ll learn what information you need from a client and liaise directly with them. You may start with audit testing of simpler balances within financial statements, such as cash at bank and share capital, and then progress to income and expenditure testing. By the end of your training contract, you’ll be comfortable handling whole files by yourself, preparing you for progression into a senior audit role.
You\’ll also receive excellent training and support for your studies. We use first-class tuition centres and organise our own off-site trainee programmes. You’ll get to meet and socialise with trainees across all offices, so it isn\’t all just work, and you can have fun too.
What You\’ll Need
- 2:1 (expected or obtained) in any discipline,
- A minimum of 120 UCAS points in your A Levels (or equivalent), and
- A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
About The Qualification
We offer a three-year ACA training contract under a Level 7 apprenticeship. Studying as an apprentice won’t impact the time it takes you to complete the qualification, it just means that there\’s a defined study pathway in place to ensure you have the best chance to succeed. You\’ll gain technical knowledge and key skills/behaviours to maximise your potential in the role.
Where potential meets personal meets you
You\’ll share our values by being collegiate and enthusiastic, whilst acting with integrity and striving for excellence. You\’ll be friendly and approachable with a mindset to be committed, take accountability, and go the extra mile to deliver our signature service. To put your hand up when you see something’s not working, and help to make it better. And yes, we expect drive and focus, effort and enthusiasm.
When you work with Saffery, you’re never a number. You’re you. Because we want everyone’s individual personality and style to shine through. And we care more, and ego less. We get on and we get on. You\’ll thrive in your close-knit team, delivering high quality in everything you do. There’s genuine mutual respect here. A rewarding, reciprocal relationship that means we all get the best out of each other.
We’ll help you to learn about our clients, but even better is if you already have an interest in the wider economic context that they operate in. Be inquisitive and always ask questions. You’ll understand the level of commitment required during your ACA exams. It’s not easy, but we’ll be there to support you along your journey with us. You\’ll play a major part in our ongoing success. Surrounded by people who value you, everything you bring, and everything you’re ready to achieve. Ready to take the first step in your Saffery story?
What We’ll Offer You
Because you do the best job you can for our clients and your colleagues, we do everything we can for you. We provide a mixture of core and flexible benefits, all designed to save you money and make your life a little easier.
Core Benefits
- Annual leave allowance, which increases in line with length of service,
- A 35-hour working week with flexibility around our core hours of 10am-4pm,
- A contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 5% of salary on a matched basis with you from the date you join),
- Life assurance cover based on 4 x annual salary,
- Working from home allowance of £25 a month,
- Our Profit-Sharing Plan, enabling you to share in the firm’s profits (usually c.£1,000), and
- Paid overtime or time off in lieu.
Flexible Benefits
- Our agile working policy gives you the option to work from home for up to three days per week,
- Access to health assessments and GP support, cancer screenings, and our BUPA health cash plan,
- Critical illness cover, dental, and travel insurance,
- We’ve got a Techscheme, Cyclescheme and a Gymflex scheme,
- A Workplace ISA,
- Paid travel expenses when working at offices other than your contracted office, and
- Generous referral bonuses if you help bring in new clients or colleagues.
We’re also committed to being a fully inclusive employer and have a huge focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). When you start with us, you’ll have the opportunity to join a number of people network groups, as well as be a part of our growing ED&I network.
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’ve got 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. When you work with Saffery, the well-respected accountancy firm where heritage meets ambition, you work with people who know your name. Who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA) employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA)
✨Tip Number 1
Research the audit industry and the specific sectors that Saffery operates in. Understanding their client base, such as professional partnerships and financial services, will help you demonstrate your interest and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Saffery. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and what they look for in a Graduate Audit Trainee. This can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common scenarios in audit work. Think about how you would handle client interactions or problem-solving situations, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for continuous learning and development. Since this role involves studying towards the ACA qualification, be ready to discuss how you plan to balance work and study effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Audit Trainee (ACA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the Graduate Audit Trainee role. Emphasise any academic achievements, particularly your 2:1 degree and A Level results, as well as any work experience related to finance or auditing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you are interested in audit and how the ACA qualification aligns with your career goals. Be sure to reflect the values of the company, such as integrity and commitment.
Showcase Your Interest in the Industry: Demonstrate your understanding of the audit profession and the economic context in which clients operate. Mention any relevant coursework or projects that have sparked your interest in audit and accounts preparation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the audit field.
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Saffery and its values. Understand their focus on audit services and the sectors they operate in. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
As a Graduate Audit Trainee, you may be asked technical questions related to accounting principles or audit processes. Brush up on your knowledge of financial statements and common audit practices to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the audit field and your eagerness to learn. Ask insightful questions about the training programme and the types of clients you might work with. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you've contributed to group projects or supported colleagues, highlighting your ability to work well in a close-knit environment.