Why start your career with James Cowper Kreston?
- Early responsibility
- Direct client exposure
- A wide variety of experience
- A supportive environment
- A career with opportunities
Graduate Opportunities
Joining James Cowper Kreston is about more than gaining a professional qualification.
As one of the leading accountancy and business advisory firms in the Thames Valley and South Coast, we work with a wide range of ambitious businesses, charities, schools and private clients, helping them solve problems, make informed decisions and maximise their potential.
Whether you're interested in Audit, Tax, Accounts or Outsourcing, you'll gain real responsibility from the start, work directly with clients and have the support of experienced colleagues who are genuinely invested in your success.
Alongside this, you'll study towards a recognised professional qualification with full support every step of the way.
What can I do?
We offer Graduate opportunities across a range of specialist teams:
Professional qualifications
Our Graduate Training Programmes combine practical, on-the-job experience with structured professional study. Depending on the team you join, you'll study towards one of the following qualifications:
- ACA (ICAEW)
- ACCA
- ATT CTA Tax Pathway
- ACA CTA Joint Programme
You'll gain technical knowledge, commercial awareness, personal effectiveness and professional skills that will benefit you throughout your career.
What we offer
Pay & Benefits
- Competitive salary with structured annual progression
- Full study support including all tuition and exam fees
- Paid study leave
- Pension scheme
- Flexible benefits package
Annual Leave
- 23 days annual leave
- An extra day's leave for your birthday
- Option to purchase additional leave through our flexible benefits scheme
Wellbeing and support
- Dedicated buddy and line manager
- Agile and flexible ways of working
- Mental Health First Aiders in every office
- Employee wellbeing support
Social and community
- Active social committees across all offices
- Regular team events and activities
- Monthly office pizza lunches
- Opportunities to get involved in charity and community initiatives
What we’re looking for
We welcome applications from students of all degree disciplines and backgrounds. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger as a business and help us better support our clients, colleagues and communities.
To be eligible you'll need:
- A minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject
- At least 112 UCAS points from your top three A-levels or equivalent (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and the EPQ)
- UK driving licence (essential for Audit & Assurance)
- The right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme (we are unable to provide sponsorship)
We're particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:
- Curiosity and an enquiring mindset
- Strong communication skills
- Resilience and adaptability
- Enthusiasm to learn
- A genuine interest in business, accountancy or tax
- The ability to work collaboratively with others
Our application process
We aim to make our recruitment process straightforward, transparent and supportive. We have partnered with Sanctuary Graduates & Apprentices to support us in the early stages of our recruitment process.
Step 1: Submit your CV
Submit your CV online.
Step 2: Complete our application form
If you meet our initial eligibility requirements, we'll invite you to complete a short application form.
Step 3: Application review
We'll review your CV and application form together.
Step 4: Eligibility interview
Successful candidates will be invited to a short online interview with Sanctuary to discuss their application and motivations.
Step 5: Assessment Centre
Meet our people, learn more about the firm and take part in a range of individual and group activities.
Step 6: Offer
Successful candidates will receive an offer to join our 2027 Graduate intake.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to discuss how we can support you.
Key dates
Applications open: 7 September 2026
Applications close: 31 December 2026
Assessment Centres:
- 8 January 2027 Audit & Assurance
- 28 January 2027 Business Tax
- 5 February 2027 Audit & Assurance
- 25 February 2027 Accounts & Outsourcing
Come and speak to our team at one of the following careers fairs:
University of Southampton 7 October 2026
University of Reading 14 October 2026
Oxford Brookes University 29 October 2026
I joined James Cowper Kreston on the graduate scheme and successfully trained and qualified through the programme. I have received formal and informal support through mentoring from other Partners and a road map programme, which has been extremely valuable for me in my progression through to Partner. During my many years at the firm I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of different clients as well as learning from a range of Partners and staff. I now head up our Accounts and Advisory service line as well as working with many of our audit clients across both the corporate and not for profit sector.
Darren O'Connor, Partner
I joined James Cowper Kreston in August 2022 as part of the graduate scheme. For the past 2 years I have been working towards my ACA qualification whilst also working full time. This has been a great way to begin my career in accountancy as I have been able to put into practice what I have learnt during my studies in my day-to-day work. James Cowper Kreston has supported me in gaining my ACA qualifications by providing time-off to attend college course and exams and all the necessary resources so that in the near future I will become fully qualified as an accountant. My team and line manager have been a fundamental part in my growth as a trainee accountant. They have allowed me the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients whilst being on hand to support me and answer any questions I have had.
Lucy Cope, Accounts and Advisory Associate