School Leaver Audit Trainee (ACA) - London - September 2027
Saffery
Location
London
Salary
Competitive
Duration
4 years
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Level 7
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
4 October 2026
Minimum grades
GCSE/National 5 Maths and English Language grade 6 (or B) minimum, 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels or Highers (or equivalent)
About the role
Join Saffery as an Audit Trainee studying towards the ACA qualification. You'll work across one of three main client groups: Corporates Group, Film, TV and Video Games Group, or Private Client Group. You'll be taken through the various stages of an audit from planning to completion, support audit engagements for clients across diverse industries, prepare audit documentation and working papers, work with client financial data using accounting systems and audit tools, assist with planning and fieldwork, build relationships with clients, help identify and investigate financial inconsistencies, and work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality audit work.
Requirements
A minimum of 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels or Highers (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels. A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE or National 5 Maths and English Language (or equivalent). Applications welcomed from candidates with AAT qualification. No prior relevant work experience required. Candidates should be collaborative, responsible, progressive, act with integrity, be approachable, committed, proactive, curious, organised, detail-oriented, and work well in team environments.
Skills
auditfinancial analysisteamworkdecision-makingattention to detailcommunicationtime management
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade 120 UCAS points from top 3
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 6 or B
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade 6 or B
Desired
AAT · Any · Grade Level 4
Training & development
Four-year training contract with full support and access to first-class tuition centres. Structured development programme combining professional study with on-the-job learning. Bespoke School Leaver Programme developed with Kaplan including a six-week business simulation designed to build key professional skills such as teamwork, decision-making and leadership. Study towards ACA qualification. Mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and regular social events included.
Future prospects
You will learn core audit and accounting principles including regulatory and reporting requirements, how audits are planned, delivered and reviewed in practice, how businesses operate and how their financial processes and controls work, how to assess risk and evaluate financial information critically, and the practical application of professional qualification studies in a real-world environment. Upon completion, you will be ACA qualified.
Company benefits
Competitive salary, Profit-sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 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, up to 4 days in office during first few months), Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings, Access to mental health & wellbeing resources, Mentorship & career progression opportunities, Participation in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programme, Volunteer opportunities with People networks including Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Gender Equality
Things to consider
We encourage early applications as roles may close early due to high demand. All applications are assessed by trained human reviewers; automated tools are not used to make final decisions. If you have experienced extenuating circumstances, please reach out before submitting your application. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. Travel expenses for in-person interviews will be reimbursed. It is recommended to avoid booking annual leave around the expected start date to ensure you do not miss important training and onboarding sessions.
About Saffery
Saffery is a partner-led and people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, they have built long-term relationships with diverse, high-profile clients across varied and specialised sectors. As a proud member of Nexia, a worldwide network of trusted member firms, they have access to local insight on a global scale. They pride themselves on their informal and inclusive culture, building an environment where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers.
Contact email
EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com
If this one works out
This role is in London. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £900–£1,400 a month.