The McDonald's Finance Graduate Scheme is open for applications now! The successful person will start in September 2025. This is an exciting time to join the McDonald's Finance Graduate Scheme. The role is a structured, broad three-year rotational scheme specifically crafted for final year undergraduates looking to join a robust Finance team. As part of the scheme, McDonalds will fund your accounting qualification and you will complete up to 16 exams over a 3-year period, in order to gain accreditation to a chartered accounting body of your choice (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
What will my role be?
The scheme will provide continuous rotational opportunities and is an outstanding opportunity for an aspirational graduate to gain experience across a number of the following areas:
Global Business Services (GBS) Accounting & Finance
As an accounting and finance subject matter specialist, you will ensure that all accounting transactions are recorded timely, accurately and with compliance to relevant standards and principles. You will provide support and mentorship across the organisation on all financial matters and seek opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of processes to ensure the robustness of the financial documents and reporting.
Operations Finance
As part of the Operations Finance team you will work closely with our community of Franchisees to drive the business' long-term strategy, support growth and ensure the future financial strength of the business. You will partner with our Directors of Franchising, working closely to ensure that we understand the financial position of each of our franchisees and where we play a role in influencing this.
Strategic & Financial Planning
As part of Strategic & Financial Planning you will help drive business growth and strengthen the McDonald's brand by developing strategic growth drivers and proactively managing Franchisee sentiment. In particular, the Strategic Finance team supports the development of long-term pricing, delivery, pay and supply chain strategies in partnership with various internal and external stakeholders.
Financial Reporting & Controls
As a trusted finance adviser for the entire organisation. Providing in depth financial analysis of how our business has performed and helping drive future decisions to grow our business. You will also be hands on in learning and guiding on technical accounting and reporting standards.
Real Estate Finance
You will business partner primarily with our Property department; working together to ensure our new restaurant pipeline is profitable, and ensuring that we obtain optimal real estate deals, to secure the future of sites where we want to trade.
Upon completion of the scheme there are significant opportunities within the Finance team to grow in to a range of increasingly strategic and senior leadership roles. The scheme offers an extraordinary start to a career within Finance, with previous trainees who have finished the scheme going on to hold senior management positions across the business, such as CFO, Finance Director, VP of Operations, Delivery Director and our Head of GBS Finance.
What team will I be a part?
The new Trainee will initially rotate through roles within the GBS Finance team, based in Sutton Coldfield (near Birmingham). They will then move to our Head Office in East Finchley, North London where they will complete their training and qualify as a chartered accountant.
What background do I need to have?
We are looking for a results-oriented, self-motivated and hardworking graduate to join our fast-paced Finance team. The successful candidate will have graduated, or is expecting to graduate with a 2:1, and should expect to get going quickly! The candidate should have at least 3 Bs (or equivalent UCAS Points) at A-Level and a passion for Finance.
To apply
Please submit your CV with a cover letter which answers the following question:
"Given the impact of the cost of living crisis in the UK, which has affected business profitability and reduced disposable income for families, how can McDonald's create additional value for its customers whilst also driving sales growth? What strategies or innovations would you suggest to enhance the customer experience, drive guest count growth and increase revenue?"
Please ensure all submissions are included on the same document.
Benefits include
- Competitive Graduate Salary with London living allowance upon the move to London
- Fully provided for CIMA/ ACCA/ ACA training and up to 20 days' study leave per year
- 28 days' Annual Leave per year, plus bank holidays
- 2 additional days of annual leave, upon completion of three years of service
- Private Health Insurance
- Dress for your day Casual attire when working in our offices
- Plus discounts at major UK retailers
- Free lunch every day
Close date is the 31st January, all applications will be reviewed then.
