School Leaver Audit Trainee (ACA) - London - January 2027

School Leaver Audit Trainee (ACA) - London - January 2027

Are you looking to start your career in audit? We're seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification. Please apply to this vacancy if you are looking for an apprenticeship after college/school.

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.

Please review the following team information and be prepared to talk about your motivations in your application form and at interview stage. We recommend you do thorough research into our client base and the associated industries to ensure you are choosing a team that will motivate you throughout your career with us. If you progress to final interview, you will interview with this team.

Film, TV and Video Games Group

Our clients include all of the major Hollywood studios, major streaming networks as well as many independent film and television production companies in the US and UK. We also work with many other entities ancillary to film and television production, such as film financiers, visual effects and post-production houses and other service providers. Finally, we work with a number of video games developers ranging from small independents to large multi-national studios.

About the programme

Our training contract takes four years to complete with full support and access to first class tuition centres.

You will complete the full ACA qualification. Exemptions to the ACA will only apply if you're AAT Level 4 qualified.

We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment. Due to high volume, you may experience delays in the process but we will review all submissions fairly.

Start Date

Monday 4 January 2027

Your role and development

Your growth doesn't just come from exams, and it comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning.

• You'll 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 strong relationships to gain a deeper understanding of their business.
• Progressively take on more responsibility, enabling you to understand the full audit cycle.

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 apply as usual and be sure to include your qualification details in the academic section.

If however, 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.

Where potential meets personal meets you

At Saffery, we look for people who share our values - those who are collaborative, enthusiastic, and act 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. You won't hesitate to speak up when something could be better and you'll help to make it happen. We value drive, focus, and a positive attitude.

Here, you're never just a number. You're valued for who you are. We want your personality and style to shine, because we believe in caring more and letting egos take a back seat. We work hard, we support each other, and we enjoy the journey together. You'll thrive in a close knit team that takes pride in delivering high quality work.

There's real mutual respect here and a two way relationship where we bring out the best in each other.

We'll help you get to know our clients, but it's even better if you're already curious about the broader economic landscape they operate in. Do your research. Ask questions. Be inquisitive.

We know the exams are demanding, and we'll be right there to support you every step of the way. Your commitment will play a big part in our continued success.

You'll be surrounded by people who value you, your contributions, and your potential.

We understand that confidence plays a role in job applications, and some candidates may hesitate to apply. If this role excites you and aligns with your career ambitions, we'd love to hear from you!

What we'll offer you

We believe that supporting our people leads to success, so we provide both core and flexible benefits tailored to your needs:

• 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, however in your first few months we do encourage up to 4 days in the office to reap the benefits of training around your managers and colleagues)
• 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 for example Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women

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.