You have questions. We have answers
We understand that applying for a training contract (and going through the different application stages) can be daunting. It’s often a new experience, an unknown. But preparation really helps. The more you know about what to expect, the more you can just be you.
To help, we’ve pulled together the questions we get asked a lot.
School leavers
What are your entry requirements?
Typically, you’ll need at least 120 UCAS points in your A Levels (or equivalent) gained at one sitting. Plus, GCSEs with a minimum B (or 6) in Maths and English Language (or equivalent). If you have extenuating circumstances, please email [email protected].
I want to become an accountant. What’s the best route for me?
You’ll start with the Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB). This takes 18 months. From there, you’ll go on to complete the rest of your ACA qualification over two to three years.
Alternatively, you could study towards the AAT qualification and then go on to ACA, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants for Scotland).
I want to work in tax. What’s my route?
The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)/CTA joint pathway is best for school leavers who want to develop a career in tax.
When is the closing date for school leaver applications?
Short answer: it depends on the specific role you’re applying for. But in general, our roles go live in September for positions starting the following September. So, we’d suggest applying early in September to give yourself the best possible chance of securing a training contract.
How do I apply?
Through our careers page where you’ll find all our live jobs. Click the job you’re interested in and then complete our online application form.
Online application completed. What happens next?
Our Early Careers Team will assess your application and, if you’re successful, you’ll move on to the next stage: numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning tests. After that (again, providing you’re successful), it’s on to an interview and, final stage, an in-person assessment day.
What’s involved in the interview?
This is our time to get to know each other better – and to make sure that you’re right for the role and we’re right for you.
So, we want to hear all about you. How you see your role here and what you want from your future. Share some of your experiences with us, things like work placements, part-time jobs, and extra-curricular activities.
Tell us about your current skill set, give us practical examples of where you’ve applied them – and what you achieved. We’re big on potential here and we really want to see yours.
Remember to do your research on us, on the role and on the qualification you’re going to study for.
There’s a lot more advice on our hints and tips page.
Graduates
What are your entry requirements?
You’ll need to have a 2:1 degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline. Plus at least 120 UCAS points for your A Levels (or equivalent), and a minimum 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent). If you have extenuating circumstances that we need to know about, please email [email protected].
Do I need to have studied a relevant degree, like accountancy, maths or business studies?
Your degree can be in any discipline. If accountancy or tax is your choice of career, and you meet our minimum requirements, please apply.
I graduated a few years ago. Can I still apply?
Absolutely, yes.
I completed an ICAEW accredited degree. Would I have exemptions from some of the modules if I chose this as my study route?
Unless you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, no. All graduates studying towards ACA qualification will need to complete all modules.
What’s the difference between ACA and ACCA?
Please visit the ICAEW and ACCA websites for all the details.
Do you offer sponsorship visas for international students?
Not at the moment, no. You need to have the right to work in the UK to apply to us.
What’s involved in the application process?
There are four stages to our graduate application process:
- Online application form,
- Numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning test,
- Interview, and
- In-person assessment day.
What’s involved in the interviews?
This is our time to get to know each other better – and to make sure that you’re right for the role and we’re right for you.
So, we want to hear all about you. How you see your role here, what you want from your future. Share some of your experiences with us, things like work placements, part-time jobs, and extra-curricular activities.
Tell us about your current skill set, give us practical examples of where you’ve applied them – and what you achieved. We’re big on potential here and we really want to see yours.
Remember to do your research on us, on the role and on the qualification you’re going to study for.
There’s a lot more advice on our hints and tips page.
How does the assessment day work?
The final stage of our recruitment process is an assessment day and an in-person partner interview. This day also includes a pre-seen case study exercise, with a 10-minute presentation. For advice on preparing for interviews, head to our hints and tips page.
How many trainees do you recruit each year?
On average, we take in around 120 trainees across our UK and Dublin offices every year.
When’s the closing date for applications?
Short answer: it depends on the specific role you’re applying for. But in general, our roles go live in September for positions starting the following September. So, we’d suggest applying early in September to give yourself the best possible chance of securing a training contract.
How do I apply?
Through our careers page where you’ll find all our live jobs. Click the job you’re interested in and then complete our online application form.
Summer internships
What are your entry requirements?
You’ll need to have a 2:1 degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline. Plus a minimum of 120 UCAS points in A Levels (or equivalent) gained at one sitting, and a minimum B (or 6) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent). If you have extenuating circumstances that we need to know about, please email [email protected]
- 2:1 degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline,
- A minimum of 120 UCAS points in your A Levels (or equivalent) gained at one sitting, and
- A minimum of B (or 6) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
What’s the difference between ACA and ACCA?
Please visit the ICAEW and ACCA websites for all the details.
When’s the closing date for internship applications?
Short answer: it depends on the specific intern role you’re applying for. But in general, our roles go live in September for internships starting the following summer. So, we’d suggest applying by the end of December to give yourself the best possible chance of securing a place.
How many interns do you recruit each year?
On average, we take 20 interns across our UK offices.
What is involved in the summer internship?
Our internship scheme runs for six to eight weeks every summer. You’ll get an on-the-ground feel for working life at Saffery whilst gaining vital work experience in audit or tax. As well as our people, we’ll introduce you to the basic principles of accounting, with a short bookkeeping course.
How do I apply?
Through our careers page where you’ll find all our live jobs. Click the job you’re interested in and then complete our online application form.
What’s involved in the application process?
There are four stages to our application process:
- Online application form,
- Numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning test,
- Interview, and
- In-person assessment day.