Sanctuary opportunity
Graduate opportunity
Full time
Financial Services
Graduate Accountant - Employment Tax
This three-year Graduate Trainee Programme combines professional study with practical experience, helping you to build a successful career.
- Location
- Reading
- Salary
- Competitive
- Start date
- August 2027
- Deadline
- Closes 31st December 2026
At a glance
Why this opportunity stands out
- Understand the fundamentals of PAYE and National Insurance
- Support clients with a range of employment tax compliance matters
- Research employment tax legislation and technical issues
Location: Reading
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
This 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 qualification, or dual qualifications by studying the ACA CTA Joint 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 and business advisory.
About The Role
Employment Tax is about helping businesses understand and manage the tax implications of employing and rewarding their people.
As organisations grow and evolve, they face an increasingly complex range of employment tax obligations. The James Cowper Kreston team works closely with clients to help them manage risk, remain compliant and make informed decisions about how they reward, support and retain their workforce.
You'll work with a wide variety of clients, from owner-managed businesses to large international groups, supporting them on areas such as employee benefits, expenses, share schemes, international mobility and PAYE compliance.
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll gain exposure to increasingly complex projects and advisory work. You'll work alongside experienced colleagues, developing both your technical expertise and your ability to build trusted relationships with clients.
By the end of your first year, you should be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of PAYE and National Insurance
- Support clients with a range of employment tax compliance matters
- Research employment tax legislation and technical issues
- Assist with employee benefits and expenses projects
- Build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues
- Communicate confidently and professionally
What We Are Looking for
We're looking for motivated graduates who are keen to build a long-term career in tax.
You'll need to have:
- An achieved / predicted 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.
- 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
The Employment 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 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