School Leaver Apprenticeship - Audit & Assurance

If university isn't the right route for you, this Apprenticeship Programme offers the opportunity to start building a professional career in Audit.

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

At a glance

Why this opportunity stands out

prepare financial statements
understand the fundamentals of audit and key areas of risk
gather audit evidence with support from more experienced colleagues

Location: Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Southampton

Salary: £23,000 starting salary

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: Late August 2027

Qualification Pathway: AAT

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 our 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 are looking for motivated school and college leavers to join their growing Audit & Assurance 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 accountancy 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.

You'll begin by studying towards the AAT accounting qualification through a combined three-year Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeship Programme. This will give you a strong foundation in accountancy while you build practical experience within the Audit & Assurance team.

But your development doesn't have to stop there. After completing your initial qualification, you'll have opportunities to continue your studies and progress towards a chartered qualification as you build your career.


The Role

Audit is about understanding how businesses operate and helping provide confidence that their financial information is accurate and reliable. You'll work with a wide variety of organisations, gaining first-hand insight into how different businesses operate while supporting experienced colleagues with audit assignments.

You'll learn how to review financial information, gather evidence and identify areas of risk, while developing the communication and professional skills needed to work confidently with clients and colleagues.

As your knowledge and confidence grow, so will your responsibilities. You'll work alongside experienced Managers, Directors and Partners who will support you as you develop your technical knowledge and client-facing skills.

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

prepare financial statements
understand the fundamentals of audit and key areas of risk
gather audit evidence with support from more experienced colleagues
work effectively as part of an Audit team
build professional relationships with clients and colleagues
communicate confidently and professionally

What We're Looking For

You don't need to have studied Accounting, Maths or Business to join this scheme. We're looking for motivated school and college leavers who are curious, keen to learn and interested in understanding how businesses operate.

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
a full UK driving licence
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
good attention to detail
an interest in understanding how businesses operate
enthusiasm to learn and develop strong teamwork skills
a positive and proactive attitude
resilience and adaptability

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