Accountants & Business Advisers

Audit & Assurance

If you enjoy solving problems, working with people and understanding how businesses operate, a career in Audit could be the perfect place to start.

At James Cowper Kreston, Audit is about far more than reviewing numbers. It's about understanding how organisations work, identifying areas of risk, building trusted relationships with clients and helping businesses provide confidence to their stakeholders.

From day one, you'll gain exposure to a wide range of clients, industries and people, while studying towards a professional qualification and developing the skills needed for a successful career in accountancy.

Apply Now - Graduates
What does an Auditor actually do?

As an Auditor, your role is to help provide confidence that an organisation's financial statements give a true and fair view of its financial position and performance. To do this, you'll:

  • Gain an understanding of how a business operates
  • Meet with owners, directors and finance teams
  • Identify areas of risk and challenge assumptions
  • Review financial records and supporting evidence
  • Investigate unusual transactions and trends
  • Communicate findings and recommendations
  • Work as part of a team to deliver high-quality audits

No two clients are exactly the same, which means there's always something new to learn.

What could my week look like?

A typical week could include:

  • Working from a client site
  • Collaborating with colleagues across different offices
  • Working directly with clients and their finance teams
  • Reviewing financial information and identifying risks
  • Attending training sessions and professional development courses
  • Working alongside senior members of the Audit team
  • Studying towards your ACA or ACCA qualification
What clients will I work with?

One of the most exciting aspects of Audit is the variety of organisations you'll gain exposure to. Our clients range from owner-managed businesses to large international groups, covering sectors including:

This variety helps you develop commercial awareness and a broad understanding of how different organisations operate.

How will my career develop?

As your confidence, knowledge and experience grow, so will your responsibilities.

Year 1 - You'll build a strong understanding of accounting and audit fundamentals while supporting the team on audit assignments and learning directly from more experienced colleagues.

Year 2 - You'll take ownership of increasingly complex areas of audit work, develop stronger client relationships and begin mentoring newer trainees.

Year 3 - You'll play a leading role on audit assignments, manage sections of fieldwork and continue developing in a senior position.

Beyond qualification

Many of our qualified accountants progress into manager and leadership roles within the firm. In fact, four of our current Audit Partners originally joined James Cowper Kreston as trainees.

Will I enjoy Audit?

Audit could be a great fit for you if you:

  • Enjoy understanding how businesses operate
  • Like solving problems and asking questions
  • Have a naturally curious mindset
  • Enjoy working with people as well as numbers
  • Are organised and pay attention to detail
  • Want a career that combines technical knowledge with commercial understanding

You don't need to have studied Accounting or Finance at university. Some of our most successful trainees have come from completely different academic backgrounds.

What qualification will I study?

Graduates - You'll have the choice of studying towards either:

ACA 

ACCA 

Both qualifications are highly respected, and we are happy for trainees to choose whichever qualification they feel would suit them best.

School Leavers - You'll study the AAT qualification through a combined Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeship Programme.