Sanctuary opportunity
Graduate opportunity
Full time
Financial Services
Graduate Accountant - Audit & Assurance
Audit is about understanding how businesses operate and helping provide confidence that their financial information is accurate and reliable.
- Location
- UK
- Salary
- Competitive
- Start date
- August 2027
- Deadline
- Closes 31st December 2026
At a glance
Why this opportunity stands out
- prepare financial statements
- understand and discuss key audit risks
- gather audit evidence and communicate findings
Graduate Accountant - Audit & Assurance
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 ACCA
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.
They are looking for the next generation of trainees to join their growing Audit & Assurance team. If you have already obtained your degree, or are about to do so, then the Graduate Trainee Programme offers a practical way to kick-start a rewarding career in accountancy.
About The Programme
The three-year Graduate Trainee Programme combines professional study with practical experience, giving you the opportunity to build a successful career while working towards either the ACA (ICAEW) or ACCA qualification.
From day one, you'll work with real clients, gain exposure to a wide range of clients, industries and assignments, and develop the technical, commercial and professional skills needed to succeed in audit.
About The Role
Audit is about understanding how businesses operate and helping provide confidence that their financial information is accurate and reliable.
Working with a wide variety of clients, you'll gain first-hand insight into how different organisations operate, identifying areas of risk and reviewing financial information before helping the team report its findings to stakeholders.
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, develop client relationships and gain exposure to more complex areas of audit work.
You'll work alongside experienced Managers, Directors and Partners, learning from them while building your own technical and client-facing skills.
By the end of your first year, you should be able to:
- prepare financial statements
- understand and discuss key audit risks
- gather audit evidence and communicate findings
- build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
- communicate confidently with clients and colleagues
About You
We're looking for motivated graduates who are keen to build a long-term career in accountancy and enjoy understanding how businesses operate.
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)
We're particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:
- 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 Audit & Assurance role at James Cowper Kreston offers you the opportunity to build a long-term career, not just get a qualification. Through being given early responsibility, including real client exposure, you will gain invaluable experience in a wide variety of businesses and sectors.
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