Graduate Trainee - Audit & Assurance (ACA / ACCA)
At James Cowper Kreston great talent is at the heart of our business. That's why we aim to recruit and retain the best and offer challenging and rewarding opportunities, enabling everyone to maximise their potential.
We are currently looking for the next generation of auditors to join our growing team. If you have already obtained your degree, or are about to do so, then our Graduate Trainee Programme offers a practical way to kick-start a rewarding career in accountancy.
The Role
Audit is the process of examining and evaluating an entity’s financial statements to provide reasonable assurance to stakeholders that the statements show a true and fair view of the entity’s financial performance. Time is spent with management and the owners of the business gaining a detailed understanding of the business and identifying risk and key areas of the financial statements most at risk of being incorrect. We then gather evidence, focusing on higher risk areas, and report our findings to the shareholders. For many of our clients, we also prepare the financial statements.
Your initial focus would be understanding basic accounting and audit principles. In your first 12 months your work would be focusing on low-risk areas. You would then take on additional responsibility in your second year, working on more complex areas, before becoming an Audit Senior and leading audits and reporting to the Audit Manager.
You would learn how to interact with client third parties, such as owners, directors and key management staff, and work alongside experienced seniors, managers, directors, and partners.
By the end of your first year, we aim for you to be able to:
* Prepare financial statements.
* Be aware of, and able to discuss, audit risks with the Audit team.
* Be able to gather audit evidence for low-risk audit areas and communicate any audit findings for these areas.
* Be comfortable dealing with clients and colleagues in person and over the phone.
What we offer
Our three-year training programme consists of a Level 7 Apprenticeship that offers you the opportunity to achieve either the ACA (ICAEW) or ACCA professional qualification:
This means you’ll combine on-the-job learning with structured, classroom-based training, not just for technical knowledge but also to develop personal, management and commercial skills that will help you succeed and maximise your career potential.
We will support you every step of the way with a comprehensive study package that includes:
* paid study leave
* all relevant tuition and revision courses and study material
* all course and exam fees
* annual subscription to the relevant professional body
* regular progress review meetings with line manager / talent coach
Your wellbeing is our top priority, so you’ll also benefit from:
* A buddy and line manager to support you throughout your career
* Mental Health First Aiders in all offices
* Social committee in each office
* Pizza lunch on last working day of each month
* We are Great Place to Work certified
* We are ranked #14 in Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers
At James Cowper Kreston we want everyone to maximise their potential, regardless of which career path they choose to take. As a result, you can be assured that you will receive all the support and encouragement you need. So why not start your career journey at James Cowper Kreston?
What we are looking for
You don’t need to have a degree in accounting to join our graduate scheme. Whatever your degree you’ll have knowledge and skills that are transferable to a career in accountancy, and we welcome variety! Whilst you do need to have some academic qualifications:
* Minimum 2:2 in any degree subject
* At least 112 UCAS points under the 2017 Tariff (top three grades only, excl General Studies, Critical Thinking & Extended Project)
* Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English Language
Your application won’t be based on academic qualifications alone. You’ll also need to show:
* a genuine interest in accountancy and finance
* an enthusiasm to learn
* a strong work ethic
* full UK driving licence and access to a car
Additional job details
Location Newbury Oxford Reading
23 days holiday, plus birthday as extra day off - Hybrid working - Pension scheme - Free flu jabs - Life assurance - Health Cash Plan - Flexible benefits including dental, medical and cycle to work
Contract, dates and working times Permanent
Full-time
How to apply
To apply complete our quick and easy online application form to give us some essential information and upload your CV.
If you successfully make it through the initial screening process, you will be invited to our Assessment Day on 27 May where you will undertake various group activities and individual exercises.
If you impress us at the Assessment Day, we will then invite you to join our new intake of students starting in late August 2025.
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 23 April 2025
James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers, with offices across the Thames Valley, London and South. We are passionate about enabling our clients, and staff, to maximise their potential. Since 1922 we have been working with clients, not just as accountants ensuring audit, accounts and tax compliance, but as an integral part of their team offering a full range of advisory services, working with them to unlock and capitalise on available opportunities.
At James Cowper Kreston, we pride ourselves on being a firm that blends professional excellence with a supportive and friendly culture. We’re big enough to offer exciting career opportunities, yet small enough that you’ll quickly feel part of a close-knit team.
Our values shape everything we do. We believe in developing people, investing in your training and career progression so that you can reach your full potential. From day one, you’ll be working alongside experienced professionals who are always happy to share their knowledge and guide you as you grow.
Team spirit is at the heart of JCK. Whether it’s collaborating on client projects, celebrating successes together, or getting involved in social events and charity initiatives, you’ll find a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is valued.
What truly sets us apart is our personal approach. We build long-lasting relationships—both with our clients and within our teams—by offering trusted advice, working with integrity, and always striving for the best outcomes.
At JCK, you won’t just be joining an accountancy firm; you’ll be joining a team that supports, challenges, and inspires you to succeed.
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