School Leaver Accounts Trainee (ACA) - Leeds - September 2027

Saffery; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Structured training & mentorship

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Saffery is offering a trainee opportunity in Leeds to study towards the ACA qualification while gaining on‑the‑job experience across a structured four‑year development programme. You will work with supportive teams and have access to Kaplan‑designed modules to build core accounting skills and professional confidence.

Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome, with entry requirements including UCAS points and GCSE results; AAT may provide exemptions.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Levels/Highers (or equivalent).
• GCSE Maths and English Language (minimum grade 6/B).
• AAT Level 4 qualification eligible for exemptions from ACA syllabus.
• ACA qualification path with structured study and on‑the‑job learning.
• Training contract lasts four years with access to tuition centres and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing financial statements, management accounts and related analysis
• Work with client financial data using accounting systems and tools
• Resolve day‑to‑day accounting queries as experience grows
• Prepare accurate work for review by senior team members

Education

A Levels / Highers

AAT Level 4

ACA syllabus

GCSE Maths

GCSE English Language

Tools

Kaplan training program

Job description

Are you looking to start your career in Accounts, helping businesses understand their financial performance and make informed decisions? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification.

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.

Who We Welcome

We recognise that talent comes from different paths, so we encourage applications from upcoming and recent school leavers or career changers. We do not expect applicants to have any prior relevant work experience.

Ready to start your journey?

About The Programme

Our training contract takes four years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres. You’ll follow a structured development programme combining professional study with on‑the‑job learning. As your knowledge and confidence develop, you’ll take on more complex work, contribute to projects and build your expertise as a trusted advisor.

Our bespoke School Leaver Programme, developed with Kaplan, includes a six‑week business simulation designed to build key professional skills such as teamwork, decision‑making and leadership. Kaplan has successfully delivered this programme for several years and it has consistently received excellent feedback from participants.

If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask for all trainees to complete the full ACA syllabus. We believe that studying alongside a cohort gives you the best chance of exam success.

Key Dates To Apply

Monday 2 November 2026 - Sunday 29 November 2026

We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment, as roles may close early due to high demand.

Your role and development

Your growth doesn’t just come from exams. It comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with preparing financial statements, management accounts and related analysis
• Work with client financial data using a range of accounting systems and tools
• Assist with resolving day‑to‑day accounting queries as you gain experience, building confidence over time
• Prepare accurate, high‑quality work for review by senior team members

What You’ll Learn

• Core accounting principles, financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements
• How businesses operate and how financial information supports decision‑making
• How to interpret financial data and communicate insights
• The practical application of your professional qualification studies in real‑world scenarios

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 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).

We welcome applications from candidates who are AAT qualified. If you have completed AAT studies (up to Level 4) in place of A Levels or Highers, please detail this under the A Level, Scottish Highers (or equivalent) qualifications section on your application form.

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.

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!

Where potential meets personal meets you

At Saffery, we look for people who share our values. We're looking for individuals who are collaborative, responsible, progressive and act with integrity, whilst always striving for excellence.

You’ll be approachable, committed and ready to take ownership of your work, with a proactive and curious mindset and a genuine interest in how businesses operate. We value people who are organised, pay close attention to detail, enjoy working with financial data, and can manage their time effectively.

You’ll thrive in a close‑knit team environment, working collaboratively with others while taking responsibility for your own development. We want people who are willing to learn, ask questions, speak up when something could be better, and help make improvements happen.

Here, you’re never just a number. We value drive, focus and a positive attitude, but we also value who you are as a person. We believe in caring more, leaving egos behind, supporting each other and enjoying the journey together. There’s genuine 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 we also look for people who are naturally inquisitive about the wider business and economic landscape. If you're curious, eager to learn, and committed to giving your best, you’ll find plenty of support and opportunities to succeed as you work towards your qualification and beyond.

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

What We’ll Offer You

Financial support & flexibility

• 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 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, including Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Gender Equality