Overview
Graduate Audit Trainee (ICAS) – Inverness – September 2026. This programme is a three-year training contract with support and access to tuition centres. Trainees study towards the ICAS qualification (AAT Level 4 exemptions may apply if eligible).
Your role and development
Your growth comes from valuable work experience and real-world learning, not just exams. You will progress through the stages of an audit from planning to completion, work on audit and accounts preparation assignments for clients across diverse industries, learn how to conduct client reviews, audit testing, and financial analysis, visit client sites and build relationships to understand their business. Over time, you will take on more responsibility to understand the full audit cycle. The firm provides mentorship, structured training, off-site trainee programmes, and regular social events.
Responsibilities
* Be taken through the various stages of an audit from planning to completion.
* Work on audit and accounts preparation assignments for clients across diverse industries.
* Learn how to conduct client reviews, audit testing, and financial analysis.
* Visit client sites and build strong relationships to gain a deeper understanding of their business.
* Progressively take on more responsibility, enabling you to understand the full audit cycle.
Qualifications and requirements
* 2:1 undergraduate degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline.
* 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. If you have more than 12 months relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, consider exploring part-qualified opportunities on the Experienced Hire vacancy page.
Programme and exemptions
If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions; otherwise, all trainees are asked to complete the full ICAS. We believe studying alongside a cohort gives the best chance of exam success.
Dates
Window 1: 15 September 2025 – 3 October 2025. Window 2: 3 November 2025 – 21 November 2025.
Application and selection
We encourage early applications. Due to high volume, you may experience delays, but all submissions are reviewed fairly. If you are selected for an in-person interview, travel expenses will be reimbursed. If applicable, please include your qualification details in the academic section of the application. If you have extenuating circumstances affecting academic performance, contact EarlyCareersTalent@saffery.com before submitting.
What We’ll Offer You
We provide core and flexible benefits tailored to your needs, including:
* Financial support & flexibility: competitive salary, paid overtime or time off in lieu, profit-sharing (approx. £1,000 per year), generous annual leave, flexible work arrangements, and contributory pension (5% salary match).
* Work-life balance & wellbeing: buddy scheme or line manager support, agile working policy (up to three days WFH; early months may require up to four days in the office), health assessments, GP access, cancer screenings, and mental health resources.
* Personal development and belonging: mentorship, career progression opportunities, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion programme, and employee networks (e.g., Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility, Women).
Who we are
Saffery is a partner-led, people-focused firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers. Since 1855, we’ve built long-term relationships with diverse, high-profile clients across varied sectors. We are part of Nexia, a worldwide network offering local insight with global reach. We foster an informal, inclusive culture where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, rewarding careers.
Ready to start your journey?
Explore Life At Saffery and Apply Today.
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