Audit & Assurance AAT Apprenticeship

James Cowper LLP; Newbury; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Earn while you learn

Career progression to professional资格

Job summary

James Cowper Kreston invites school leavers to join its Audit & Assurance team. You will train under Managers, Directors and Partners, studying for AAT Level 3 and 4 over three years while gaining hands-on experience in auditing and client service.

The programme blends classroom-based learning with self-study, learning at First Intuition's Reading premises, and clear pathways to ACA/ACCA qualifications. Progression beyond trainee is possible.

Qualifications

• GCSE English Language (grade 4 or higher) - essential
• GCSE Maths (grade 4 or higher) - essential
• A Level All subjects (grade 112 UCAS points or higher) - essential

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing financial statements

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving

Administrative skills

Number skills

Analytical skills

Team working

Initiative

Resilience

Adaptability

Enthusiasm to learn

Education

GCSE English Language

GCSE Maths

A Level All subjects

Tools

None

Job description

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

Training

• You will be studying AAT Level 3 and Level 4 over a three‑year training contract.
• Training will be a mix of classroom based courses and self‑study.
• Classroom sessions will be block release and generally take place at First Intuition's premises in central Reading.

What happens at the end

After completing your AAT qualification, you'll have opportunities to continue your studies with a chartered qualification (ACA or ACCA).

As you build your career with us you will progress to Audit Senior, then Assistant Manager, and potentially follow a route all the way to being a partner in the firm.

Five of our current partners started as trainees with the firm.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Resilience
• Adaptability
• Enthusiasm to learn

Qualifications

• GCSE English Language (grade 4 or higher) - essential
• GCSE Maths (grade 4 or higher) - essential
• A Level All subjects (grade 112 UCAS points or higher) - essential

Key details

• Wage: £23,000 a year
• Working week: Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm.
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Duration: 3 Years
• Start date: 2027-08-23
• Closing date: 2027-01-31
• Apprenticeship standard: Professional accounting technician (level 4)
• Training provider: FIRST INTUITION SOUTH LIMITED

About the employer

James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers with offices across the Thames Valley and South Coast. We work closely with our clients, offering a wide range of services and helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities and maximise their potential.

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

We're looking for motivated school and college leavers to join our 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, our School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme could be the perfect place to start.