Sanctuary Graduates & Apprentices
Graduate Accountant - Private Client Tax
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Location: Newbury or Reading
Please note that, due to the quick turnaround for this role, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who would need to relocate
Qualification Pathway: ATT CTA Tax Pathway
About Us
James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers with offices across the Thames Valley, London, and the South. We work with clients, not just as accountants but as an integral part of their team, offering a full range of advisory services and working with them to unlock and take advantage of available opportunities.
We are a team of over 250 people, where everyone gets to play their part in helping achieve our goals. We have a strong team ethic but always recognize the individual contributions. That’s why we make a great investment in individual career development and helping you maximize your potential.
We are currently looking for the next generation of tax advisors to join our growing team. If you have already obtained your degree, or are about to do so, then our Graduate Trainee Programme offers a practical way to kick-start a rewarding career in accountancy.
The Programme
Our three-year Graduate Trainee Programme offers a structured route to achieve either the ACA qualification, or dual qualifications by studying the ACA CTA Joint Programme or the ATT CTA Tax Pathway. You’ll combine structured classroom-based learning with hands-on experience across a variety of client engagements, as well as developing key soft skills to help advance your career.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This is a practical and rewarding way to launch your career in accountancy.
The Role
You'll begin by building a strong grounding in personal taxation, developing an understanding of how income tax and capital gains tax affect individuals and their financial affairs.
From day one, you'll be working alongside experienced seniors, managers, directors, and partners, learning from their expertise while taking on increasing responsibility yourself. You'll gain early exposure to clients, develop professional relationships, and become involved in helping individuals navigate a wide range of tax matters.
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll move beyond compliance work into more advisory-focused projects, helping clients understand the tax implications of important life and business decisions. No two clients are the same, meaning you'll gain experience across a wide range of personal and business circumstances while developing both your technical tax knowledge and your client relationship skills.
Examples of the work you'll be involved in include:
- Preparing personal tax returns and working with colleagues across the wider tax team.
- Building an understanding of the UK income tax and capital gains tax systems and learning how to use specialist tax software.
- Liaising directly with HMRC on behalf of clients.
- Reviewing clients' tax positions and identifying opportunities to improve tax efficiency through areas such as pension contributions and Gift Aid.
- Calculating the tax implications of property transactions and other asset disposals.
- Advising business owners on the personal tax consequences of taking salaries, dividends, and director's loans.
- Supporting clients through HMRC enquiries and investigations.
- Attending meetings with new and existing clients and developing strong professional relationships.
- Assisting with bespoke tax planning projects as you gain experience and technical knowledge.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What We're Looking For
- A minimum 2:2 in any undergraduate degree subject.
- At least 112 UCAS points from your top 3 A-levels (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking & Extended Project).
- Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English Language.
- A genuine interest in accountancy and finance.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges.
- Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
- A valid UK driving licence, or already be learning.
- The right to work in the UK for the duration of the training contract
What We Offer
- Full study support including exam fees and paid study leave.
- 23 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
- Pension scheme and flexible benefits (e.g. cycle to work, dental insurance, life assurance, flu jabs).
- Agile working and mental health support.
- A dedicated buddy and line manager.
- Active social committees and monthly pizza lunches.
Please note that, due to the quick turnaround for this role, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who would need to relocate
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location