Internships

If you're looking for a 12-month placement as part of your university degree, our Internship Programme gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while exploring a career in tax.

During your placement, you'll develop professional skills, build commercial awareness and gain practical experience of working in a professional services environment.

It's a chance to apply what you've learned at university, discover what a career in tax involves and gain valuable experience that will support your future career, whatever path you choose after graduation.

Why do an internship with James Cowper Kreston?

By joining us for your placement year, you'll have the opportunity to:

Gain meaningful, hands-on experience from day one
Work on real client assignments rather than simply observing
Build practical skills and confidence in a professional environment
Learn from experienced Managers, Directors and Partners
Study towards the ATT Foundation Qualification in Business Tax
Explore whether a long-term career in tax is right for you
Build connections that could support your future career

Many of our interns go on to join our Graduate Training Programme after completing their degree, making this an excellent opportunity to gain experience and explore a future career with James Cowper Kreston.

What is Business Tax?

Business Tax is about helping businesses understand and manage their tax affairs while supporting them through important decisions and periods of change.

Our team works with a wide range of clients, from owner-managed businesses to large international groups. We support them with both tax compliance and advisory work, helping them navigate challenges such as business growth, investment, international expansion and changes in legislation.

A key part of the role is translating complex tax legislation into clear, practical advice that helps clients make informed business decisions.

What will I be doing?

During your internship, you'll work closely with experienced colleagues and gain practical experience across a variety of Business Tax work, including:

Understanding how corporation tax returns are prepared
Reviewing basic corporation tax computations and returns
Assisting Directors and Partners with advisory projects
Supporting research into tax legislation
Assisting with Research & Development (R&D) tax relief claims
Attending client meetings
Building relationships with clients and colleagues
Communicating with HMRC
Supporting innovative businesses with their tax affairs

Alongside your day-to-day work, we'll support you in studying towards the ATT Foundation Qualification in Business Tax.

The qualification provides a strong introduction to the profession, helping you make the most of your internship and giving you a head start should you choose to pursue a career in tax after graduation.

What we offer

Pay & Benefits

Competitive salary
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

You don't need to be studying Accounting, Finance or Business to apply. We're interested in students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are curious, motivated and have a genuine interest in tax.

To be eligible you'll need:

A minimum 2:2 degree classification based on first-year results
At least 112 UCAS points from your top three A-levels (or equivalent)
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language

We're particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

Enthusiasm to learn and develop
Strong communication skills
A positive and proactive attitude
Curiosity and an enquiring mindset
Resilience and adaptability
Strong teamwork skills

Our application process

We aim to make our recruitment process straightforward, transparent and supportive.

Step 1: Apply Online

Submit your CV and complete our online application form via the link above.

Step 2: Application Review

We'll review your application and CV together against our eligibility criteria and internship requirements.

Step 3: Assessment Centre

An in-person Assessment Centre where you'll meet our people, learn more about the firm and take part in a range of individual and group activities.

Step 4: Offer

Candidates who perform well at the Assessment Centre will be invited to join our 2027 Intern 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: 1 October 2026

Applications close: 31 December 2026

Assessment Centre: 10 February 2027

Meet us on campus

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

Applications for our 2027 Internship Programme will open on 1 October 2026.

I am truly thankful to everyone at James Cowper Kreston who has supported me during my placement. Working with the Business Tax team has been an amazing experience and I am grateful for the knowledge and guidance I have received over the past year. Overall it has been an incredible journey where I have not only gained a greater understanding of tax but also further developed my professional and personal skills. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity!
Aleen Cheema, Intern