• A competitive salary
• Full support to achieve a professional qualification
• Hands-on experience across a variety of client work
• Opportunities to build technical expertise and professional skills
This is a unique opportunity not only to develop your skills and confidence but to build a rewarding career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Our three-year training programme offers you the opportunity to achieve one of the following professional qualifications:
You'll combine on-the-job learning with structured, classroom-based training, not just for technical knowledge but also to develop personal, management and commercial skills that will help you succeed and maximise your career potential.
We typically offer graduate opportunities in the following areas:
We will support you every step of the way with a comprehensive package that includes:
Your wellbeing is our top priority, so you’ll also benefit from:
You do not need a degree in accounting and finance to join our graduate scheme. Whatever your subject, you’ll bring valuable knowledge and transferable skills - and we welcome that diversity.
To be eligible you’ll need to meet the following academic criteria:
Your application won’t be assessed on academic qualifications alone. We’re looking for individuals who demonstrate:
Ready to take the next step? Here’s what our Graduate application process involves:
1. Upload Your CV
Submit your CV via our online portal, including your academic achievements, work experience, and anything else you feel is relevant.
2. Short Application Form
If your CV meets our key criteria, you’ll receive a brief application form to provide further details about your background and motivations.
3. CV Screening
Our team will review your CV and application form together. If you’re a strong match, you’ll move to the next stage.
4. Eligibility Call
Successful applicants will be invited to a short eligibility interview to confirm key details and answer some initial competency-based questions.
5. Assessment Day
If you progress past the call, you’ll be invited to our Assessment Day, where you’ll take part in various activities, both individually and in groups, to help us get to know you and for you to learn more about us.
6. Offer to Join Our Graduate Intake
Impress us at the Assessment Day and you’ll receive an invitation to join our next Graduate intake, starting in August 2026.
To begin your application, simply use the links above to visit the page for the team you’re interested in joining, for example, Audit & Assurance or Business Tax, and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Please note our application process is delivered in partnership with Sanctuary Graduates.
Applications opening date: 7 October 2025
Applications closing date: 31 January 2026
Assessment Days: 27 January, 12 February, 11 March, 26 March & 14 May 2026
We will be at the following University Careers & Placement Fairs this year so feel free to come along and talk to us:
University of Southampton: 8 October 2025
University of Reading: 15 October 2025
Oxford Brookes University: 6 November 2025
Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about our Graduate Programme. Whether you're wondering about which offices offer apprenticeships, Right to Work requirements, or specific application details, we've got you covered.
Read MoreWe are delighted to be recognised as one of the nation’s leading SME employers for early careers, ranking 8th in the Department for Education and RateMyApprenticeship’s Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2025 list. It’s fantastic to see our dedication to delivering high-quality training and development programmes reflected in this year’s rankings. We’re proud to stand alongside outstanding organisations from a wide range of sectors across the country.
We're proud to be recognised in The Sunday Times Top 100 Employers for 2025, celebrating organisations across the UK that are leading the way in early careers development. This recognition highlights our commitment to creating new opportunities, supporting a diverse range of learners, and helping individuals successfully complete their training and development programmes. The prestigious annual rankings are entirely data-driven and compiled by High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the country’s top employers on behalf of The Sunday Times.
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
