Business Tax Apprenticeship
James Cowper Kreston · Oxford · posted 3 November 2026
Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.
Business Tax is about much more than tax returns. It's about helping businesses understand and manage complex tax matters while supporting growth and important commercial decisions. You'll work with a wide range of organisations, helping them understand their tax obligations and supporting them as they grow and change.
You'll start by building your understanding of the fundamentals of tax and how businesses operate. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, become involved in more complex work and begin building relationships with clients.
You'll work alongside experienced Managers, Directors and Partners who will support you as you develop your technical knowledge and professional skills.
During your first year, you'll start developing the skills to:
- Understand how corporation tax computations and returns are prepared
- Build an understanding of different Business Tax matters
- Research tax rules and technical issues
- Support colleagues with client assignments and advisory projects
- Attend client meetings alongside more experienced colleagues
- Communicate confidently and professionally with clients and colleagues
Your training
- You start by studying a Level 4 apprenticeship over two years to complete the Certificate Level of the ACA qualification
- You will then progress to a Level 7 apprenticeship to complete the ACA CTA Joint Programme, which will take a further three years to complete
- Training will be a mix of classroom based courses and self-study
- Classroom sessions will be block release and generally take place at First Intuition's premises in central Reading
Where it leads
After completing your ACA Level 4 apprenticeship, you'll continue your studies with the ACA CTA Joint Programme as a Level 7 apprenticeship.
As you build your career with us, and once you are ACA qualified, you will progress to Assistant Manager and beyond. Potentially following a route all the way to being a partner in the firm.
Five of our current partners started as trainees with the firm.
About James Cowper Kreston
James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers with offices across the Thames Valley and South Coast. We work closely with our clients, offering a wide range of services and helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities and maximise their potential.
We pride ourselves on blending professional excellence with a supportive and friendly culture. We're big enough to offer exciting career opportunities, yet small enough that you'll quickly feel part of a close-knit team.
We're looking for motivated school and college leavers to join our growing Business Tax team. If you're ready to start your career, earn while you learn, and work towards professional qualifications without going to university first, our School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme could be the perfect place to start.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English Language (grade 4 or higher) — essential
- GCSE Maths (grade 4 or higher) — essential
- A Level All subjects (grade 112 UCAS points or higher) — essential
Where you'll work
- Pine Lodge, 201 Cumnor Hill, Oxford, OX2 9PJ
- Apex Plaza, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 1AX
- White Building 1-4, Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2NP
Similar apprenticeships
- Audit & Assurance AAT ApprenticeshipJames Cowper Kreston · Greenham
- School/College Leaver Accountancy Apprenticeship (AAT)Hazlewoods · Cheltenham