Audit semi senior Review
at James Cowper Kreston
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Reading
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
2 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
2/5
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Overview of Role
2/5
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Skills Development
2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
2/5
Performing audits that vary in length of time, some audits can be up to a month long whereas others can just be a week long booking.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
Minimal enjoyment, high levels of scrutiny involved at times which is unjustified and not always backed up by evidence.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
I have learnt some skills but not many, this is due to training not being up to the required standard and being infrequent in when it occurs
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
There is some structure and organisation within the company, however it is sad to see the way the exams have been planned out in the timetable with the final exam being scheduled after the apprenticeship ends. This is not the same as other comparative firms and I know other trainees including myself have become annoyed by this, especially in the new syllabus. The pay for the semi seniors is also far below market average for the role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
Receive the bare minimum in terms of support from my line manager or student development manager. I had a problem before Christmas which I raised with my line manager of which it seems nothing proactive was done to help preventing a similar instance from happening again.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive a good level of support from First Intuition if it is needed. My quarterly catch ups with my skills coach are always productive and beneficial.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think it provides some solid background knowledge. However I have been asked multiple times to perform above the grade I am at work, so this training is not always helpful.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
There is a quarterly networking event with Young Thames Valley Professionals.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend James Cowper Kreston to a friend?
No
Why?
They are quite slow in carrying you through the exams with little to no explanation, causing you to become exam qualified after being time qualified. Salary is still below market average of firms in and around the same size and level as JCK.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to James Cowper Kreston?
Research the qualification to know it's what you want to do for the foreseeable future
