Accounts Trainee (ACCA) - Peterborough - September 2026
Saffery
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- Minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A-Levels.
- Minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language.
- AAT qualification is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Prepare management accounts and reconcile key account balances.
- Assist clients with accounting system issues.
- Prepare VAT and Intrastat returns.
- Maintain client relationships and project ownership.
- Prepare year-end financial statements.
- Handle ad-hoc tasks such as cash flows, budgets, and information for third parties.
- Maintain client relationships and take ownership of projects.
- Process work on Xero and other accounting software.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Saffery, Peterborough, England, United Kingdom
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 ACCA 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.
Our training contract takes four years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres. If you are AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise we ask all trainees to complete the full ACCA. Studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.
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.
Your growth comes from exams, 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.
- 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 include your qualification details in the academic section of your application. If 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.
At Saffery we look for people who share our values: collaborative, enthusiastic, acting 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.
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, with up to four days in the office during first months)
- 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 (Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women)
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, we have 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, rewarding careers.
Explore Life At Saffery & Apply Today.
Internship
Full‑time
Other
Accounting
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