Sanctuary opportunity
Graduate opportunity
Full time
Financial Services
Graduate Accountant - Business Tax
Business Tax is about helping businesses understand and manage complex tax matters while supporting growth.
- Location
- UK
- Salary
- Competitive
- Start date
- August 2027
- Deadline
- Closes 31st December 2026
At a glance
Why this opportunity stands out
- perform first reviews of basic corporation tax computations and returns
- assist Managers with advisory projects
- attend client meetings and begin building professional relationships
Graduate Accountant – Business Tax
Location: Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Southampton
Salary: Competitive, with structured annual progression
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: Late August 2027
Qualification Pathway: ACA or ACA CTA Joint Programme
About The Company
James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers with offices across the Thames Valley and South of England. They work with clients, not just as accountants but as an integral part of their team, offering a full range of advisory services and working with them to maximise their potential.
They pride themselves on being a firm that blends professional excellence with a supportive and friendly culture and are big enough to offer exciting career opportunities, yet small enough that you’ll quickly feel part of a close-knit team.
The business are looking for the next generation of trainees to join their growing Business Tax team. If you have already obtained your degree, or are about to do so, then this Graduate Trainee Programme offers a practical way to kick-start a rewarding career in tax.
About The Programme
The Graduate Trainee Programme combines professional study with practical experience, giving you the opportunity to build a successful career while working towards either the ACA qualification (a three-year programme) or dual qualifications through the ACA CTA Joint Programme (a four-year programme).
From day one, you'll work with real clients, gain exposure to a variety of industries and assignments, and develop the technical, commercial and professional skills needed to succeed in tax.
About The Role
Business Tax is about helping businesses understand and manage complex tax matters while supporting growth, innovation and important commercial decisions.
You'll work with a wide range of organisations, from owner-managed businesses to large international groups, helping them navigate challenges such as business growth, investment, international expansion and changes in legislation.
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, become involved in advisory projects and build relationships with clients. You'll work alongside experienced Managers, Directors and Partners, learning from them while developing your own technical, commercial and client-facing skills. A key part of the role is translating complex tax legislation into clear, practical advice that helps clients make informed business decisions.
By the end of your first year, the aim is for you to be able to:
- perform first reviews of basic corporation tax computations and returns
- assist Managers with advisory projects
- attend client meetings and begin building professional relationships
- communicate confidently with clients and HMRC
- develop an understanding of a range of business tax matters
About You
We're looking for motivated graduates who are keen to build a long-term career in tax.
You'll need to have:
- a 2:2 degree in any discipline
- at least 112 UCAS points from your top three A-levels (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and EPQ).
- minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English.
- UK driving licence
- the right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme (we are unable to provide sponsorship)
- strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- good attention to detail
- strong organisational and time-management skills
- a proactive and positive approach to learning
- the ability to build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues
What Is On Offer
The Business Tax role at James Cowper Kreston offers you the opportunity to build a long-term career, not just get a qualification. Through being given early exposure to a wide variety of businesses and sectors you will, from day one, begin to develop a broad range of commercial and technical expertise.
In addition to this experience and your salary, you will benefit from:
- Full study support including all tuition and exam fees
- Paid study leave
- Early responsibility
- Exposure to a wide variety of clients and sectors
- A supportive, collaborative environment where your development is a priority
- Dedicated buddy and line manager
- Great Place to Work certified
- Pension scheme
- Flexible benefits package, including cycle-to-work, life assurance and flu vaccinations
- 23 days' annual leave, plus your birthday off
- Mental Health First Aiders in every office
- Active social committees and regular social events