Right now, we’re looking for university graduates wanting to start their career in audit as a trainee certified accountant, studying towards the ACCA qualification. This will take three years to complete. We provide full study support to enable you to develop personally and professionally, with the view to becoming a qualified tax advisor. We offer either the ATT/CTA joint pathway or ACA/CTA joint pathway.

We have various opportunities within tax, working in general corporate tax or to specialise within our Film and TV department. This can be discussed at interview stage in more detail.

This will be offered under a Level 7 apprenticeship and will take three years to complete.

Application windows

We are live for applications from:

  • 17 September 2024 – 31 December 2024

Please note due to high popularity for these positions, applications may close earlier than stated. We wouldn't want you to lose out, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.

About your role

Qualifying is not just about passing your exams; gaining valuable work experience is so important.

You'll receive excellent training and support for your studies. We use first-class tuition centres and organise our own off-site trainee programmes. You’ll get to meet and socialise with trainees across all offices, so it isn't all just work, and you can have fun too.

Take a look at our website to understand the different services we offer: Tax | Accounting & Advisory Services - Saffery

Corporate Tax

You'll work in a fast paced environment on corporation tax compliance, including preparation of corporation tax returns and computations, advising on payment dates and dealing with all other administrative matters. You’ll get exposure to clients from different industries, so we guarantee an exciting and varied learning experience.

There’ll also be the opportunity to assist in tax advisory projects once you qualify and progress. As your understanding of taxation issues grows, so will the complexity of your workload.

Film and TV

This team plays a crucial role in helping clients within the media industry navigate the complex tax landscape, ensuring they can take full advantage of available tax incentives and stay on the right side of the rules. We are leaders in the sector and so you can expect to become an expert in this field. If you have an interest in film and TV, have a curiosity about how the industry works and want to gain technical tax expertise then this is the team for you.

What you'll need

  • 2:1 (expected or obtained) in any discipline,
  • A minimum of 120 UCAS points in your A Levels (or equivalent), and
  • A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).

About the qualification

We offer a three-year ATT/CTA or ACA/CTA training contract under a Level 7 apprenticeship, with a view to becoming a chartered tax adviser.

Studying as an apprentice won’t impact the time it takes you to complete the qualification, it just means that there's a defined study pathway in place to ensure you have the best chance to succeed. You'll gain technical knowledge and key skills/behaviours to maximise your potential in the role.

Where potential meets personal meets you

You'll share our values by being collegiate and enthusiastic, whilst acting with integrity and striving for excellence.

You'll be friendly and approachable with a mindset to be committed, take accountability, and go the extra mile to deliver our signature service. To put your hand up when you see something’s not working, and help to make it better. And yes, we expect drive and focus, effort and enthusiasm.

When you work with Saffery, you’re never a number. You’re you. Because we want everyone’s individual personality and style to shine through. And we care more, and ego less. We get on and we get on. You'll thrive in your close-knit team, delivering high quality in everything you do.

There’s genuine mutual respect here. A rewarding, reciprocal relationship that means we all get the best out of each other.

We’ll help you to learn about our clients, but even better is if you already have an interest in the wider economic context that they operate in. Be inquisitive and always ask questions.

You’ll understand the level of commitment required during your exams. It’s not easy, but we’ll be there to support you along your journey with us. You'll play a major part in our ongoing success.

Surrounded by people who value you, everything you bring, and everything you’re ready to achieve. Ready to take the first step in your Saffery story?

What we’ll offer you

Because you do the best job you can for our clients and your colleagues, we do everything we can for you. We provide a mixture of core and flexible benefits, all designed to save you money and make your life a little easier.

Core benefits

  • Annual leave allowance, which increases in line with length of service,
  • A 35-hour working week with flexibility around our core hours of 10am-4pm,
  • A contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 5% of salary on a matched basis with you from the date you join),
  • Life assurance cover based on 4 x annual salary,
  • Working from home allowance of £25 a month,
  • Our Profit-Sharing Plan, enabling you to share in the firm’s profits (usually c.£1,000), and
  • Paid overtime or time off in lieu.

Flexible benefits

  • Our agile working policy gives you the option to work from home for up to three days per week,
  • Access to health assessments and GP support, cancer screenings, and our BUPA health cash plan,
  • Critical illness cover, dental, and travel insurance,
  • We’ve got a Techscheme, Cyclescheme and a Gymflex scheme,
  • A Workplace ISA,
  • Paid travel expenses when working at offices other than your contracted office, and
  • Generous referral bonuses if you help bring in new clients or colleagues.

We’re also committed to being a fully inclusive employer and have a huge focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). When you start with us, you’ll have the opportunity to join a number of people network groups, as well as be a part of our growing ED&I network.

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.