Applying for a training contract can be daunting, which is why we want to provide as much help and support as possible. Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.
School leavers
What are the entry requirements?
Typically, you will need at least 120 UCAS points, or equivalent, gained at one sitting, plus a minimum grade B/6 in English language and maths GCSE. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact E: [email protected].
If I want to become an accountant, what route is best for me?
As a school leaver, we will support you through completing the Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB), which you complete in 18 months. Following this, we would support you in completing the remainder of your ACA qualification over 2-3 years.
We have a number of school leavers who have taken an alternative route, studying towards the AAT qualification and then embarking on ACA, ACCA or ICAS.
If I want to work solely in tax, what route is best for me?
We would support you through the ATT/CTA joint pathway.
When is the closing date for applications?
Recruitment at Saffery Champness is an on-going process; we will continue to recruit until we have filled all of our roles. In general, our roles go live in September for positions beginning in September the following year. We therefore recommend you apply as early as possible once these roles go live, to give you the best possible chance of securing a training contract.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through our careers page, where you will find a list of our current vacancies. Clicking on the relevant vacancy will take you to an online application form, where you will be required to follow the instructions to complete your application.
What happens after I have submitted my application?
Once you have submitted your application, our Early Careers Team will make a decision as to whether your application is successful. If you are successful, then you will move through the following stages:
- Numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning tests.
- Telephone interview.
- Virtual HR interview or assessment day.
You will need to be successful at each of these stages before moving onto the next.
What is involved in the HR (via Teams or in-person) interviews?
This is a chance for us to get to know you more and assess your potential for the role. We will be looking for candidates who understand Saffery Champness and want to contribute to the future success of the firm.
We enjoy hearing about your past experiences, including work placements, part-time jobs, and extra-curricular activities. Highlighting your current skill set through use of examples, will help us to understand the potential you have.
It is important you know what’s involved in the role you are applying for and who it is you are applying to. We therefore recommend that you read up on the firm itself and the qualification you would study for.
Understanding the training process will not only help you to decide whether this is the right role for you, it will also give you confidence when you come in and meet us. For further advice on the interview process, please visit our hints and tips page.
Graduates
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must have a 2:1 degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline and at least 120 UCAS points, or equivalent, gained at one sitting. Candidates must also have a minimum grade B/6 in English language and maths GCSE.
Please contact E: [email protected] if you have extenuating circumstances.
Do I need to have studied a relevant degree in accountancy/maths/business studies?
Our trainees study the same materials during their training contract, ensuring that you receive all the information you need to be successful in a career in accountancy. For this reason we welcome applications from students from any discipline. If accountancy or tax is your choice of career and you have met the minimum requirements, then don’t be afraid to apply just because you haven’t studied it before.
I graduated a few years ago, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, we are happy to accept applications from those who are not recent graduates.
I have already started a qualification but I have changed my mind. Would I have exemptions from some of the ACA modules if I were to choose to do this as an alternative study route?
All graduates studying towards the ACA qualification will be expected to complete all the modules. No exceptions can be given unless you are AAT Level 4 qualified.
What is the difference between ACA and ACCA?
Please visit the ICAEW website and the ACCA website for full details on these qualifications.
Do you offer sponsorship visas for international students?
Unfortunately, we don’t currently process applications from students who do not have the right to work in the UK.
What is involved in the application process?
Our recruitment process is split into several stages:
- Application form
- Numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning test
- Telephone interview
- Virtual/In-person interviewing or assessment day.
You will need to be successful at each of these stages before moving onto the next.
What is involved in the HR (via Teams or in-person) interviews?
This is a chance for us to get to know you more and assess your potential for the role. We will be looking for candidates who understand Saffery Champness and want to contribute to the future success of the firm.
We enjoy hearing about your past experiences, including work placements, part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities. Highlighting your current skill set through use of examples, will help us to understand the potential you have.
It is important you know what’s involved in the role you are applying for and who it is you are applying to. We would therefore recommend that you read up on the firm and the qualification you would study for.
Understanding the training process will not only help you to decide whether this is the right role for you, it will also give you confidence when you come in and meet with us. For further advice on the interview process, please visit our hints and tips page.
What is involved in the final interview process?
You will attend an in-person partner interview and then be asked to complete a pre-seen case study exercise. This involves a short 10-minute presentation. Where possible, we do our best to organise informal team meetings so you will have the opportunity to speak to current trainees/staff.
For further help on the interview itself please visit our hints and tips page.
How many trainees do you recruit each year?
On average, we recruit 80-100 trainees across our UK and Dublin offices.
When is the closing date for applications?
Trainee recruitment at Saffery Champness is an on-going process; we will continue to recruit until we have filled all of our roles. In general, our roles go live in September for positions beginning in September the following year. We therefore recommend you apply as early as possible once these roles go live, to give you the best possible chance of securing a training contract.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through our careers page where you will find a list of our current vacancies. Clicking on the relevant vacancy will take you to an online application form.
Summer internships
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must have a 2:1 degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline and at least 120 UCAS points, or equivalent, gained at one sitting. Candidates must also have a minimum grade B/6 in English language and maths GCSE.
What is the difference between ACA and ACCA?
Please visit the ICAEW website and the ACCA website for details on both of these qualifications.
When is the closing date for applications?
Internship recruitment at Saffery Champness is an ongoing process; we will continue to recruit until we have filled all of our roles. In general, our roles go live in September for internships taking place in the summer of the following year. We therefore recommend you apply as early as possible once these roles go live, to give you the best possible chance of joining us for a summer internship.
How many interns do you recruit each year?
On average, we recruit 12 interns across our UK offices. These roles are popular, so please think about applying as soon as possible.
What is involved in the summer internship?
Our internship scheme runs for six to eight weeks every summer. As an intern, you will be partnered with a dedicated mentor who will ensure your placement is enjoyable and challenging. You will benefit from a basic bookkeeping course and your mentor will chart your progress and provide regular feedback during informal appraisals.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through our careers page where you will find a list of our current vacancies. Clicking on the relevant vacancy will take you to an online application form.
What is involved in the application process?
Our recruitment process is split into several stages:
- Application form
- Numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning test
- Telephone interview
- Virtual HR interview or assessment day.
You will need to be successful at each of these stages before moving onto the next.
