Finance Graduate Development Programme 2023

Do you want to work for an organisation who will be fully committed to getting your career off to the best possible start as you train to be a qualified accountant? As a Scottish Water Graduate, your professional development will be our priority.

Each year, our graduate programmes are highly sought-after for the varied development opportunities that we can offer recent graduates, which will set you up to be successful in your chosen field. Our 2023 graduate recruitment campaign is now live – and we are delighted to say that we have more opportunities than ever!

What might life look like as a Scottish Water Specialist Graduate?

If you are looking for a shadowing opportunity with limited opportunities to get hands-on experience, this is not for you. All our graduates are valued contributors to helping us to succeed. You will be empowered with autonomy to shape how we do things here at Scottish Water and we expect our graduates to add value by sharing their own insights on how we can continuously improve. You will be trusted to put your own stamp on your work, whilst having the backing of your leaders and fellow team members to support you to excel.

On the Finance Graduate Development Programme, starting in September 2023, you will have the opportunity to gain exposure to the work of multiple teams during your accountancy training. You will undertake a variety of interesting and challenging placements, which will allow you gain a breadth of experience whilst you gain a professional accountancy qualification.

We are keen to hear from graduates of any discipline with inquisitive, analytical and logical minds with a keen interest in how digital technologies can transform the finance function.

Our programme will develop your skills and expertise. Based within the Finance Directorate, you will have a key role to deliver our mission to account, budget and forecast so that senior leaders can make informed decisions while we transform our work through the application of digital technologies. You will be supported through your accountancy qualifications by both highly experienced finance professionals and team members who are themselves in the process of gaining the qualification.

What does a successful candidate look like?

Our Scottish Water Character reminds us of the behaviours and values that we demonstrate every day at Scottish Water – Bold, Responsible, Inspiring and Caring (BRIC). It’s what makes us, well… us. Any successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they are actively exhibiting these behaviours and are enthusiastic about taking steps to develop these attributes further as you develop your career with us and play your part in delivering an essential service to Scotland.

Why Scottish Water?

Scotland’s water is essential to life – it’s one of our most precious natural resources. Joining us now means being part of our evolving future story as we face the challenges of climate change, its impact on the environment and our vital services. Join us to support a flourishing Scotland now and into the future.

As a highly successful and world-renowned organisation, owned by the people of Scotland, we are entering into an exciting period of transformation. We will ensure we deliver excellent service, value to our customers and our NetZero ambitions. This is your opportunity to be part of that journey.

What’s in it for you?

As part of our commitment to investing in young talent, all our graduates are on permanent contracts. This means that on the successful completion of your placements and project work, you will be offered a substantive role with us, where you will continue to develop within a permanent role.

We also believe in rewarding our graduates for their investment in their development and their valued contribution, so on top of a starting salary of £28,500 you will receive salary increments on the successful completion of each 6 months on the programme.

We have a long track record of flexible working that predates the pandemic, so you can expect some time working from home and some time in person with colleagues.

Other benefits include

• 38 days of holiday per year (including public holidays) with the option to buy 5 more
• Eligibility to join the defined benefit, contributory pension scheme
• Annual company bonus
• Life assurance scheme
• Paid time off for community volunteering
• Opportunities to be involved in sports, social and fundraising activities
• Access to "SW Splash", saving you money on holidays, bills and shopping
• Excellent family friendly policies around Adoption, Maternity, Parental Leave, and Flexible Working

Next steps

The closing date for applications to this programme will be 11.59pm on the 4th of January 2023. You can expect to hear from us by the end of January 2023.

The recruitment process will involve online testing and face to face meetings. These tests & meetings should take place late January / February 2023.

Do you have any support needs?

Please let us know if there are any changes we can make to our application and selection process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Email us here with the vacancy reference number in the subject line so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.