Graduate Apprenticeship - Accounts & Advisory 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 working in our Accounts & Advisory team. You will perform first reviews of basic financial statements and corporation tax returns and post adjustments to financial statements and corporation tax returns.

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

    VAC1000200016

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

In the Accounts team we prepare unaudited statutory accounts. This means that we do not complete any audit testing to verify the accuracy of our client’s figures. Instead, we are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements – and often corporation tax returns.

In addition to the above we also prepare forecasts, share-based payment calculations, and post year-end journals in our client’s software. Often, we are the main point of contact with our clients and field a whole range of queries across the different service lines.

Your initial focus would be on preparing basic financial statements and corporation tax returns and you will undergo training – both internal and external – to help you understand the role. You will work for a variety of managers within the team, exposing you to several different sectors and interesting projects.

By the end of your first year, we aim for you to be able to:

  • Tag accounts for submission to Companies House and HMRC
  • Perform first reviews of basic financial statements and corporation tax returns
  • Post adjustments to financial statements and corporation tax returns
  • Assist managers on other projects
  • Be comfortable liaising with clients for accounting records and queries

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

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.

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

Apply now

Closing date: 31 Dec 2023