Key Takeaways
- Start a career in Audit with a four-year ACA qualification training contract.
- Based in Bournemouth, with a competitive salary and benefits package.
- Applications close on Sunday 25 October 2026, with early applications encouraged.
- Requires 120 UCAS points and a minimum grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English.
About the Role
Saffery is seeking ambitious individuals to join their team as trainee auditors, studying towards the ACA qualification. This is an opportunity to start a career in audit, helping businesses build confidence in their financial reporting and decision-making.
About Saffery
Saffery is a partner-led, people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers with a history dating back to 1855. They are a member of Nexia, a global network of firms, and pride themselves on an informal and inclusive culture.
Who We Welcome
Saffery encourages applications from upcoming and recent school leavers or career changers. No prior relevant work experience is expected.
About the Programme
This is a four-year training contract with full support and access to tuition centres. The programme combines professional study with on-the-job learning. A six-week business simulation, developed with Kaplan, focuses on building key professional skills.
- ACA Qualification: Full ACA syllabus completion is required, with potential exemptions for AAT Level 4 qualified individuals.
What You'll Do
- Participate in all stages of an audit, from planning to completion.
- Support audit engagements by testing financial information and reviewing key controls.
- Prepare clear audit documentation and working papers.
- Utilise accounting systems and audit tools to work with client financial data.
- Assist with audit planning and fieldwork, both in the office and at client sites.
- Build client relationships to understand their businesses.
- Identify and investigate discrepancies in financial information.
- Collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality audit work on time.
What You'll Learn
- Core audit and accounting principles, including regulatory and reporting requirements.
- Practical aspects of audit planning, delivery, and review.
- Business operations and their financial processes and controls.
- Risk assessment and critical evaluation of financial information.
- Application of professional qualification studies in a real-world setting.
Support will be provided through mentorship, structured training, off-site programmes, and social events.
What You'll Need
- A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels or Highers (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
- A minimum of grade 6 (or B) in GCSE or National 5 Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
- Applications from AAT qualified candidates are welcome. AAT Level 4 completion can be detailed in place of A Levels or Highers.
Values and Mindset
Saffery seeks individuals who are collaborative, responsible, progressive, and act with integrity, striving for excellence. Key attributes include being approachable, committed, proactive, curious, organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage time effectively. A willingness to learn, ask questions, and contribute to improvements is valued.
Benefits
- Financial: Competitive salary, 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/line manager support, agile working policy (up to 3 days WFH, with encouragement for more office days in the first few months), health assessments, GP access, cancer screenings, mental health and wellbeing resources.
- Personal Development & Belonging: Mentorship and career progression opportunities, participation in ED&I programmes, opportunities to join People networks.
Important Information Before Applying
- Familiarise yourself with the recruitment process on the Saffery website.
- Practice psychometric tests and prepare for competency-based interviews.
- You can apply to only one programme per recruitment season.
- Contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com if you have experienced extenuating circumstances impacting academic performance.
- Information on requesting reasonable adjustments will be provided during the assessment process.
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed for in-person interviews.
- Avoid booking annual leave around the expected start date to ensure participation in training and onboarding.