Graduate Apprenticeship - Audit & Assurance James Cowper Kreston

If you have already obtained your degree, or are about to do so, then our Graduate Trainee Programme offers a practical way to kick start an exciting career in accountancy. We offer a three-year Level 7 Apprenticeship to achieve either the ACA (ICAEW) or ACCA accounting qualification. You will prepare financial statements and be aware of and able to discuss, audit risks with the audit team.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 31 Dec 2023

Apprenticeship summary

Annual wage

£23,000.00

Paid time off for college and exams / 23 days annual holiday, plus birthday as extra day off / pension scheme / flexible benefits scheme / free flu jabs /
Working week

Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm.

Total hours per week: 37.5
Expected duration

36 Months
Possible start date

27 Aug 2024
Date posted

20 Sep 2023
Apprenticeship level

Degree
Level 7 (Master's degree)
Reference number

VAC1000199993
Positions

10 available

What you will do in your working day

Audit is the process of examining and evaluating an entity’s financial statements to provide reasonable assurance to stakeholders that the statements show a true and fair view of the entity’s financial performance. Time is spent with management and the owners of the business gaining a detailed understanding of the business and identifying risk and key areas of the financial statements most at risk of being incorrect. We then gather evidence, focusing on higher risk areas, and report our findings to the shareholders. For many of our clients, we also prepare the financial statements.

Your initial focus would be understanding basic accounting and audit principles. In your first twelve months you would work as part of the Audit team working on low-risk areas reporting to the Audit Senior. You would develop your knowledge throughout your training contract taking on additional responsibility in your second year, working on more complex areas of the audit, before becoming an Audit Senior and leading audit engagements and reporting to the Audit Manager.

You would learn how to interact with third parties, such as the owners, directors and key management of our clients, and work alongside experienced seniors, managers, directors and partners.

As an example, by the end of your first year, we aim for you to be able to:

Prepare financial statements
Be aware of and able to discuss, audit risks with the audit team
Be able to gather audit evidence for low-risk audit areas and communicate any audit findings for these areas
Be comfortable dealing with clients and colleagues in person and over the phone

The training you will be getting

You will be ACA or ACCA qualified. You can choose which you prefer to study
Training will be a mix of classroom based courses, self-study and on-the-job learning
Classroom sessions will be block release and generally take place at our training provider's premises in central Reading

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

After achieving the ACA or ACCA qualification, there are opportunities available to complete a six-month secondment in a different service line area.

You will also start to progress towards a management role with our internal Management Development programme. This could allow you to potentially forge a route all the way to being a partner in the firm.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, An enthusiasm to learn, A strong work ethic

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English Language (Grade 4 or higher) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4 or higher) Essential
A Level or equivalent All subjects excl General Studies (Grade 3 A-levels Grade A*-C) Essential
Other Undergraduate degree in any subject (Grade 2.2 or higher) Essential

Things to consider

Your wellbeing is our top priority, so you’ll also benefit from: • A buddy, and line manager, to support you throughout your career • Hybrid working • Mental Health First Aiders in all offices • Social committee in each office • Pizza lunch on last working day of each month

About the employer

James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers, with offices in Newbury, Reading, Oxford, Southampton and London. We are passionate about enabling our clients and staff to maximise their potential, meaning that we approach everyone as an individual, not with a pre-set script. For over 100 years we have been working with clients, not just as accountants ensuring audit, accounts and tax compliance, but as an integral part of their team offering a full range of advisory services, working with them to unlock and maximise available opportunities. With over 200 staff we have a strong team ethic but always recognise the individual contributions to the team’s performance. That’s why we make a great investment in individual career development and help you maximise your potential. As a result, you can be assured that you will receive all the support and encouragement you need from us to kick-start an exciting career in accountancy. So why not start your career with James Cowper Kreston?

Employer

James Cowper Kreston

http://www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk/

Address

2 Communications Road

Greenham Business Park

Greenham

RG19 6AB

Contact

Sarah Pearce

spearce@jamescowper.co.uk

07388 945384

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Training

Training provider

FIRST INTUITION READING LIMITED

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

training
qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

Accountancy or taxation professional

Level 7 (Master's degree)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Employer's Application Instructions

To apply complete our quick and easy online application form to give us some essential information and upload your CV. If you successfully make it through the initial screening process, you will be invited to one of our Assessment Days where you will undertake various group activities and individual exercises. If you impress us at the Assessment Day, we will then invite you to join our new intake of students starting in late August 2024.