I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Saffery in Feb 2024
Interview
4 Stages:
-Application
-G+ Test
-Online Interview
-In Person Interview + Presentation
For the In-Person interview have:
-Knowledge about current affairs within accountancy, the ACA Qualification and Saffery
-Explain why you want to do accountancy and why the ACA qualification
-Understand company client base
-Have questions ready to ask
In regards to the presentation it's a paper presentation on a fictional company where you answer 5 questions. You have to write and present normally like you would with Powerpoint.
Maintain good communication skills and have high levels of confidence.
Interviewers will ask you questions and see how you answer so be ready
Overall just have fun, its not at all stressful and just be yourself and remain confident!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you wish to do the ACA qualification at Saffery?
I applied online. I interviewed at Saffery in Nov 2017
Interview
Completed an online numerical reasoning test and a verbal reasoning test. This was followed by a telephone interview for the Trainee Chartered Accountant role in London. I was then invited to an assessment centre in London in December.
I applied online. I interviewed at Saffery (Harrogate, England) in Nov 2023
Interview
Upon completion of the test section, I was invited to an online interview a few days later. After successfully completing that, I was invited to the office for an in person interview and case study exercise. Offer received within 3 weeks of initial application. Saffery were far and away the quickest and most professional firm I applied to.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Interview Questions were standard. Look into some topical real world events. Research thoroughly the sector you wish to enter. Come with lots of questions to ask.
Case Study section is much harder. To prepare for this, research P+L sheets as well as a balance sheet. Look into various strategies to improve a business. You’ll be asked to suggest improvements for a fictional company after reading a document with some information on them.
This section isn’t so much a test of your economic knowledge, more a test of how you cope under pressure and what things you suggest.
The interview was done online and it last around 40 minutes. There was one interviewer and the questions were strengths based and was also asked about motivations and the reasons for applying to this company and role.
