Corporate Finance Placement 2026

Punter Southall; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK consultancy firm is offering a Corporate Finance Placement Year 2026. This fixed-term, full-time role is ideal for undergraduates seeking hands-on experience in corporate finance. You will conduct financial analysis, industry research, and develop understanding of pension scheme issues. The firm offers competitive salary, annual bonus, and various benefits including pension matching and healthcare plans. This is a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive environment in Leeds.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

25 days holiday with buy/sell flexibility

Pension matching

Healthcare plans

Life assurance

Retailer discounts

Paid volunteer days

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable interest in assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of businesses.
• Awareness of recent key developments in the macroeconomic environment and the pensions industry.

Responsibilities

• Undertake financial analysis of sponsors, including modelling.
• Conduct industry research and evaluate key strategic issues faced by particular sponsors.
• Develop an understanding of the specific issues that affect pension schemes.

Skills

Ability to work well in a small team

Excellent communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Good knowledge of Excel

Good knowledge of PowerPoint

Education

Minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in any discipline

Job description

Contractual hours: 36.25

Basis: Full time

Job category/type: XPS Pensions

Date posted: 16/10/2025

Job reference: REQ003204

Location: Leeds

Employment Type: Fixed Term - 1 Year Internship, Full Time

Grade: Associate Hybrid REQ003203

Corporate Finance Placement Year 2026

This is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduates seeking hands‑on experience in corporate finance.

We are currently taking applications for undergraduates looking to pursue a placement year starting in June 2026. This role will be a one‑year placement in our vibrant Leeds office and there will be several positions available, with the possibility of a Graduate role in the future.

As well as the essential criteria listed in the job description below, we also ask all applicants to:

• Please include a coversheet as the first page of your CV.
• Have the ability to work from our London office for the duration of the placement.
• Include details of module scores/grades thus far in your degree and all A''level results (or equivalent).

Current application closing date: 28/11/2025.

Interview anticipated in December.

XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

About The Role

Serving as part of XPS Covenant incorporating Penfida, this role provides a full range of covenant and broader corporate finance advisory services, including covenant evaluation that considers ESG forces, affordability assessment, and advice in corporate transactions, restructurings, refinancings, contingent asset arrangements, and scheme events.

• Assessing the strengths and risks inherent in the ability for a company to support its scheme, both now and over the longer term.
• Valuation of the company and analysis of affordability in the context of commitments to all stakeholders.
• Providing corporate finance techniques and supporting our trustee clients in anticipating potential corporate activity.
• Understanding the impact of M&A, disposals, refinancing or restructurings on a scheme.
• Providing extensive experience in evaluating and navigating transactions.
• Working closely with schemes and sponsors to establish an integrated risk management framework and provide analysis and advice to determine appropriate balance of covenant, funding, and investment risk.
• Other services include analysis of the strength of insurance companies providing buy‑outs and buy‑ins, PPF levy support, and advice on contingent asset protections, asset‑backed funding structures, and project financing.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake financial analysis of sponsors, including modelling.
• Conduct industry research and evaluate key strategic issues faced by particular sponsors.
• Develop an understanding of the specific issues that affect pension schemes.
• From time to time undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities.

What You Will Learn

• Fundamental financial analysis (P&L, cash flow and balance sheet).
• Basic and advanced modelling techniques.
• Understanding of restructuring and M&A processes.
• Report writing and presentation skills.
• Broader regulatory perspectives.

Your Profile

Essential:

• Ability to work well in a small team.
• Excellent communication, organisation skills and the ability to think outside the box.
• Working towards a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in any discipline. Include individual module marks within your CV.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable interest in assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of businesses.
• Awareness of recent key developments in the macroeconomic environment and the pensions industry.
• Understanding of key financial terms and valuation metrics.
• Good knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.

What We Offer

Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Volunteering events are encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications via the "Apply Now" option or contact us for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Equal Opportunities Statement

XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.

Eligibility

Any employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks, and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.

Who Are We

To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com.