Accounts Trainee (ACA) - High Wycombe - September 2026

Saffery Llp; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in the UK is seeking ambitious individuals for a trainee role in Accounts, supporting the study towards the ACA qualification. This role offers valuable real-world learning in a client-facing position, with responsibilities ranging from preparing management accounts to advising clients. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 120 UCAS points and GCSEs in Maths and English. A supportive environment with mentorship and flexible work arrangements is provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary & paid overtime

Profit-sharing scheme

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension plan

Agile working policy

Qualifications

• Minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels, excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
• Minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Prepare management accounts and reconcile key account balances.
• Assist clients with accounting systems including software migration.
• Agree and execute payment runs on clients’ behalf.
• Prepare VAT and Intrastat returns.
• Prepare year-end financial statements.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Proficient in accounting software

Communication skills

Education

120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels

GCSE Maths and English at 6/B or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Are you looking to start your career in Accounts? We're seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification. 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.

Key Dates

To Apply: 19 December 2025 – 11 January 2026 Please note that the next stage of our recruitment process (psychometric testing) will be paused from 19 December 2025 until 11 January 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted during this period, and candidates may then be invited to complete a psychometric test in mid‑January 2026. We hope this pause provides you with time to enjoy the holiday season or prepare for upcoming exams.

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 work in a friendly and progressive environment in a client‑facing, fast‑paced role which includes advisory elements and often deals with high‑profile clients. The work is varied and ranges from typical year‑end compliance through to ad‑hoc advisory and project work. The client base is a mix of sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, limited‑liability partnerships, trusts and smaller private charities.

• Preparing management accounts, including reconciling all key account balances and tailoring the presentation specific to each client
• Assisting and advising clients on issues in their accounting systems, including software migration
• Agreeing and executing payment runs on clients’ behalf using a variety of online banking platforms
• Preparing VAT and Intrastat returns
• Preparation of year‑end financial statements
• Carrying out and reviewing ad‑hoc tasks such as cash flows, budgets and information for third parties
• Maintaining relationships with clients and taking ownership of projects and tasks as appropriate
• Processing work on Xero and other accounting software

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

Financial support & flexibility

• Competitive salary & paid overtime or time off in lieu
• 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 (EDI) programme
• Volunteer to join one of our People networks for example Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women
• You can apply to just one of our programmes during each recruitment season. If your application isn’t successful this time, we’d love for you to try again when applications re‑open next September for the following year.
• If you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances (such as bereavement, mental health challenges, or any other unforeseen situation), that may have impacted your academic performance, please reach out to us before you submit an application – [e-mail].
• If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by including the details in the relevant section on the application form. We’re committed to assessing all applicants fairly and want to do everything we can to support your success throughout the process.
• If you are selected for an in‑person interview, we will provide reimbursement for your travel expenses. More information on what we cover will be shared at this stage of the process.
• If you’re offered a place at Saffery, we kindly recommend holding off on booking any annual leave around your expected start date. This helps ensure you don’t miss out on important training and onboarding sessions that will set you up for success.

About Saffery

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. Everyone belongs here. Always.

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 ACA 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!