School Leaver Apprentice - Business Tax

If university isn't the right route for you, our School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme offers the opportunity to start building a professional career

Start apprentice application

Location: South Thames
Salary: Competitive
Start date: August 2027
Deadline: Closes 31st January 2027

At a glance

Why this opportunity stands out

understand how corporation tax computations and returns are prepared
build an understanding of different Business Tax matters
research tax rules and technical issues

Location: Oxford, Reading, Southampton
Salary: £23,000 starting salary
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: Late August 2027
Qualification Pathway: ACA (Level 4), then 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 Coast. They work closely with their clients, offering a wide range of services and helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities and maximise their potential.

They pride themselves on blending professional excellence with a supportive and friendly culture. Being big enough to offer exciting career opportunities, yet small enough that you'll quickly feel part of a close-knit team.

They looking for motivated school and college leavers to join their growing Business Tax team. If you're ready to start your career, earn while you learn, and work towards professional qualifications without going to university first, this School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme could be the perfect place to start.


The Programme

If university isn't the right route for you, this School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme offers the opportunity to start building a professional career in tax straight from school or college.

You'll combine structured professional study with hands-on experience, working with real clients while developing the technical, commercial and professional skills you'll need throughout your career. From day one, you'll earn a salary, gain exposure to a wide range of industries and assignments, and develop your knowledge and confidence as you learn.

Your training follows a clear, structured pathway. You'll begin by studying the ACA Level 4 Apprenticeship, which takes approximately 18 months. You'll then progress to a Level 7 Apprenticeship and complete the ACA CTA Joint Programme, working towards two prestigious chartered qualifications.

The programme is designed to give you time to build strong foundations in both technical knowledge and practical experience as you progress. Ultimately, you could become ACA qualified in around four years and achieve CTA status within five, while building valuable professional experience alongside your studies.


The Role

Business Tax is about much more than tax returns. It's about helping businesses understand and manage complex tax matters while supporting growth and important commercial decisions. You'll work with a wide range of organisations, helping them understand their tax obligations and supporting them as they grow and change.

You'll start by building your understanding of the fundamentals of tax and how businesses operate. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, become involved in more complex work and begin building relationships with clients.

You'll work alongside experienced Managers, Directors and Partners who will support you as you develop your technical knowledge and professional skills.

During your first year, you'll start developing the skills to:

understand how corporation tax computations and returns are prepared
build an understanding of different Business Tax matters
research tax rules and technical issues
support colleagues with client assignments and advisory projects
attend client meetings alongside more experienced colleagues
communicate confidently and professionally with clients and colleagues

What We're Looking For

You don't need to have studied Accounting, Maths or Business to join the scheme. We're looking for motivated school and college leavers who are curious, keen to learn and interested in building a long-term career in tax.

You'll need to have:

at least 112 UCAS points from your top three A-levels or equivalent (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and EPQ)
minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English Language
the right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship

We're particularly interested in people who demonstrate:

curiosity and an enquiring mindset
strong communication skills
enthusiasm to learn and develop
good attention to detail
a positive and proactive attitude
strong teamwork skills
resilience and adaptability
an interest in business, problem-solving and tax

What's On Offer

Fully funded professional qualifications, including tuition and exam fees
Paid study leave
Competitive salary with structured annual progression
Meaningful work and increasing responsibility as you develop
Exposure to a wide variety of clients and sectors
A dedicated buddy and line manager
A supportive, collaborative environment where your development is a priority
Agile and flexible ways of working
23 days' annual leave, plus your birthday off
Pension scheme
Flexible benefits package
Great Place to Work Certified