Imperial is a global top ten university with a world-class reputation in science, engineering, business and medicine.
The Finance Graduate scheme was created to develop Imperial Finance leaders of the future.
Imperial is looking to recruit graduates to join its 2025 Graduate Finance Scheme - a three-year programme designed to provide the candidate with extensive finance experience and the opportunity to gain a professional accountancy (CIMA) qualification as part of a Level 7 Accounting and Taxation Professional Apprenticeship qualification.
The ideal candidates will be motivated, personable, self-starters with the drive to deliver excellence in Finance and support the College in achieving its academic mission.
Imperial is committed to equality of opportunity.
Key responsibilities
Graduate Finance Analysts can expect to gain both operational and project experience on the three-year programme.
Successful applicants will participate in a rotational programme consisting of at least three placements. Examples of placements include working in the Finance teams supporting a faculty, support functions and working in various financial reporting and management accounting roles.
In each placement, Graduate Finance Analysts can expect to gain in-depth knowledge of Finance in Higher Education, as well as exposure to senior leadership across both Finance and the wider Institution.
It is intended that during the training scheme all Graduate Finance Analysts will develop the skills and experience necessary to apply for a permanent position at Imperial.
Graduate Finance Analysts work in a wide range of roles across Imperial– discover their stories and find out more about the scheme on our website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/career-programmes/finance-graduate-scheme-/finance/
Training and qualification
Graduate Finance Analysts will be expected to complete their study for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification as part of the Accounting and Taxation Professional L7 apprenticeship qualification during the three years. Imperial will fund the full cost of study towards this including relevant training courses, exam fees, etc... Support is available in the department to help Graduate Finance Analysts throughout their studies.
This generous study package includes time away from work (up to 20%) to complete training courses for the accounting qualification with further support provided on the job via a combination of training, 1:1 coaching and soft skills training.
Graduate Finance Analysts will be mentored by the CFO and supported by the Finance Development Manager and placement managers to develop and grow in the role and work towards long term career aspirations.
Salaries will escalate throughout the three years via a combination of annual pay increments and pay increases linked to exam success.
Person specification
Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following:
Essential (E)/ Desirable (D)
Education
- You should have obtained or be predicted a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in any discipline. (E)
- You should have a minimum of 128 UCAS points (or equivalent) based on the new tariff. (E)
- You should have an A level in Mathematics if your degree is not in a numerate subject (Grade B and above). (E)
- You should have grade 9 – 4 (A*- C) at GCSE level (or equivalent) in Maths and English. (E)
Experience
- No experience is necessary (D)
Knowledge
- Numerical knowledge (E)
Skills & Abilities
- Proactive – enthusiastic and inquisitive, showing initiative and seeking opportunities to improve the way things are done. (E)
- Problem – solving – able to analyse information, draw conclusions and make recommendations. (E)
- Communication – able to get messages across clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing. (E)
- Teamwork – able to liaise effectively with a wide range of colleagues, welcoming different perspectives. (E)
- Time - Management – able to manage and prioritise a diverse workload at the same time as studying for an accounting qualification. (E)
- An interest in personal and professional development. (E) An interest in developing a career in Finance. (E)
- An interest in Higher Education. (E)
Further information
Please note that job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate Imperial:
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Innovation
Employees are also required to comply with all Imperial policies and regulations.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.
