Overview
Position: Finance Trainee (Graduate Programme)
Department: Finance
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term up to August 2029 (2 positions available)
Salary: £33,002 to £35,608; potential progression to £39,906
Grade: 6
Closing date: 23 February 2026
Please note: This role starts in September 2026 and is only for graduates.
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a long-standing history in Birmingham and the wider region. We are committed to developing our people and offering opportunities across a wide range of services. We support flexible working where appropriate and provide a generous benefits package including 40 days paid holiday, one paid day for volunteering, occupational sick pay, a pension scheme, and access to high-quality nurseries. The University has multiple campus facilities and a strong transport links network.
We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of how we work. We encourage discussions on flexible working arrangements and provide sector-leading development opportunities through our Birmingham Professional programme.
The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and holds related accreditations. See our staff values and behaviours for more information.
The Background
The University of Birmingham is one of the largest employers in the West Midlands, with over 8,000 staff. The Finance Graduate Training Scheme provides ambitious graduates with an entry point to a dynamic and stimulating financial career within the University. The three-year programme offers hands-on experience through rotations across key Finance teams and aligns with the CIMA qualification, supported by external training providers.
Role Summary
The Finance department provides services and advice to support the University’s finances and strategic framework. The Trainee will work across the Finance department, gaining knowledge in each area while studying the CIMA qualification. Rotations are designed to align with the CIMA structure and develop business acumen, professional skills and finance expertise.
Main Duties
The Finance Trainee will learn and develop skills across a broad range of teams over the three-year programme. Each trainee undertakes two placements per year. Placements include:
Year One (two placements per year) – Transaction Services, AR, Cash Management, AP, Reconciliations, Buying, Procurement, E-Marketplace.
* Transaction Services: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Income Processing, Buying
* Procurement and Insurance: procurement support and value for money
* Financial Services: Financial Business Partnering; Tax and Treasury; Corporate Accounting; Management Accounts; Analysts; Internal Audit
* Core Systems Optimisation Team (CSOT); University of Birmingham Enterprise
Year Two – Corporate Accounting; Management Accounting; Taxation and Treasury Management; external statutory considerations and university capital programme oversight.
* Corporate Accounting: external audit preparation and annual report work
* Management Accounting: monthly management accounts, variance analysis, forecasting
* Taxation and Treasury Management: tax processes, VAT, cashflow reporting and reconciliations
Year Three – Business Partnering; Internal Audit; Finance Projects; specialised placements available in Birmingham Enterprise, CSOT and Insurance.
* Business Partnering: financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and analysis
* Internal Audit: assist in fieldwork and reporting
* Finance Projects: cross-University financial and commercial support
Specialised placements: Birmingham Enterprise; CSOT; Insurance.
Person Specification / Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
We are seeking future leaders who are bright, inquisitive and committed to the University and the Birmingham region. We value diversity and equal opportunity for all protected characteristics. The following qualifications and attributes are expected:
* Demonstrable interest in a career in Finance
* Ability to work in a large, complex organisation and adapt to new environments
* Ability to manage study while working
* Analytical thinking and resilience
* At least a 2:1 in a first degree in the past three years (or a relevant postgraduate qualification with a prior 2:1)
* GCSEs with minimum grade 4/C in English and Mathematics (or equivalent)
* Initiative, resourcefulness, flexibility and self-motivation
* Ability to build effective working relationships with a diverse range of colleagues
* Clear and effective communication skills (oral, written and presentation)
* Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and commitment to fair treatment
The application process
Three stages:
* Stage 1: Online application — complete online form, upload CV and cover letter as a single document, and answer: Why are you interested in a career in Finance at the University of Birmingham? What is your proudest achievement? Describe a time when you showed initiative.
* Stage 2: Online Interview – week commencing 2 March 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)
* Stage 3: Assessment centre – 16 March 2026 (group discussions, interviews, and tasks)
Application materials should be no more than 1000 words.
Career Pathway
* Chartered Accountant
* Financial Accountant
* Management Accountant
* Finance Business Partner
* Tax Accountant
* External/Internal Auditor
Informal enquiries: Amy Hayes, a.e.hayes@bham.ac.uk
View our staff values and behaviours here
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and ensure your written elements reflect your own communication style. Applications relying heavily on AI may not progress to interview.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. Details about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre and sustainability initiatives are available on our website.
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