Audit AAT Apprenticeship in Newbury

Summary

If university isn\’t the right choice for you and you have a genuine interest in accountancy and finance, we are offering a three‑year apprenticeship to achieve the AAT accounting qualification (Level 3 & 4). The role will involve preparing audit documentation and carrying out basic audit tests as part of a team.

Wage

£23,000 a year.

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We have a set salary progression ladder with a pay rise approximately every 12 months. By the time you complete your apprenticeship, your salary will have increased to £31,500.

Training course

Professional accounting technician (level 4).

Hours Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm.

38 hours a week.

Start date Monday 24 August 2026.

Duration 3 years.

Positions available 3.

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You\’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you’ll do at work

• Prepare audit planning documentation for review by the supervisor and to carry out internal control, system and walkthrough tests.
• Carry out basic audit tests as part of a team in relation to other statutory and non‑statutory audits and due diligence work.
• Attend simple stock takes.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, liaising with them to answer general queries.

Where you’ll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

• 2 Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, Newbury, RG19 6AB
• Pine Lodge, 201 Cumnor Hill, Oxford, OX2 9PJ
• Apex Plaza, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 1AX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You\’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

FIRST INTUITION READING LIMITED.

What you’ll learn

Course contents:

• Collate and analyse financial information to support value creation within an organisation.
• Apply accounting principles and adhere to legislation to ensure records are accurate and compliant.
• Apply professional scepticism when undertaking accounting activities to inform and evaluate decision making on the content of true and fair accounts.
• Interpret financial information for accounting purposes, such as using judgement to determine the correct way to report or account for transactions or undertaking ratio analysis.
• Participate in or support others with quality improvement activities.
• Use software packages to assist with accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
• Deliver accounting tasks with a critical eye to transactions and trends, demonstrating a \’right first time approach\’.
• Use workload management principles to plan, organise and prioritise own tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Use accounting information to add value to the organisation through data visualisations, analysis and interpretation.
• Communicate accounting information through a variety of media to enable key stakeholders to understand what is required.
• Build and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, recognising the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Training schedule

• Professional Accounting or Taxation Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard.
• You will become AAT qualified.
• Training will be a mix of classroom based courses and self‑study.
• Classroom sessions will be block release and generally take place at our training provider’s premises in central Reading.

More training information

Please note that for our August 2026 intake apprenticeship opportunities are available in our Reading, Newbury and Oxford offices, but not Southampton or London.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

• GCSE in English Language (grade Grade 4 or higher).
• GCSE in Maths (grade Grade 4 or higher).
• A Level in all subjects except General Studies (grade BBC, or 112 UCAS points minimum).

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience
• Resilience

Other requirements

Working in Audit you must have a full UK driving licence and access to a car.

About this employer

James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers, with offices in Newbury, Reading, Oxford, Southampton and London. We are passionate about enabling our clients and staff to maximise their potential, meaning that we approach everyone as an individual, not with a pre‑set script. For over 100 years we have worked with clients, not just as accountants ensuring audit, accounts and tax compliance, but as an integral part of their team offering a full range of advisory services, working with them to unlock and maximise available opportunities. With over 200 staff we have a strong team ethic but always recognise the individual contributions to the team’s performance. That’s why we make a great investment in individual career development and help you maximise your potential. As a result, you can be assured that you will receive all the support and encouragement you need from us to kick‑start an exciting career in taxation. So why not start your career with James Cowper Kreston?

https://www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk/school-leavers/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Paid time off for study, college and exams; 23 days annual holiday, plus birthday as extra day off; flexible benefits scheme including cycle to work, dental insurance, holiday buy; health cash plan to reimburse minor medical costs.

After this apprenticeship

• After achieving the AAT qualification you can go on to study either the ACA or ACCA qualification.
• Plus progression to Audit Senior, then Manager and potentially follow a route all the way to becoming a Partner in the firm.

Apply now

The contact for this apprenticeship is: FIRST INTUITION READING LIMITED.

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000003208.

Closes on Thursday 30 April 2026.