Accountancy and Finance Graduate Programme

Programme title: Accountancy and Finance Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Across the UK, including Portsmouth, Devonport in Plymouth, Bristol, Bovington, Warminster or Donnington in Telford.    

Application closing date: 16 October 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 66906 

What will you do on the programme?

On our Accounting and Finance Graduate Programme, you’ll be involved in financial activities that support some of the most complex and high-profile areas of our business. From major defence programmes to strategic operations, you’ll help teams make informed decisions and drive performance.

You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of financial disciplines – such as budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis – across different areas of the organisation. This will help you get to grips with the complexities of company-based accounting and financial management in a global business environment.

You’ll also work towards a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) qualification through the Level 7 Accounting or Taxation Professional Apprenticeship – a master’s degree-level programme designed to develop aspiring professionals into fully competent, confident, and credible finance leaders. It’s an ideal pathway for those looking to accelerate their career and reach the top of the accountancy profession.

How is the programme structured?

This three-year programme is built around three 12-month placements, each designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of accountancy and finance. You’ll rotate through roles in project and financial accounting, gaining broad exposure to different areas of the business and developing a well-rounded skill set.

Each rotation offers the opportunity to work on varied projects within a sector or business, helping you build confidence, capability, and clarity about your future career path.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support and dedicated mentorship to help you be your best throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

You’ll also work towards the CIMA Professional Qualification, which leads to Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) status and Associate of Chartered Management Accountants (ACMA) membership. This globally recognised designation demonstrates your ability to lead and support organisations through complex financial environments.

Your studies will be delivered through the Level 7 Accountancy or Taxation Professional Apprenticeship – equivalent to a master’s degree – and delivered by Kaplan UK, a leading education and training provider specialising in professional qualifications, apprenticeships, and career development across accountancy, finance, tax, data, and technology.

The programme blends academic learning with practical experience, giving you the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to thrive in a finance career.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £34,000, you’ll benefit from: 

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

• A (Hons) degree in Accountancy and Finance, Economics, Science or Engineering.
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Our Accounting and Finance programme for Autumn 2026 is part of our Group Graduate Programme. 

Your placements in Accounting and Finance could take you to a number of locations across the UK, including Portsmouth, Devonport in Plymouth, Bristol, Bovington, Warminster or Donnington in Telford.

We ask all our graduates to be open to relocating during the programme. This flexibility helps you get the most out of your placements and allows us to match you with the right opportunities across the business. We’ll always do our best to understand your preferences and balance them with business needs.

Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.