Finance Graduate

Heidelberg Materials UK; Chipping Sodbury; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary around £31k

Hands-on learning

Professional development

Mentoring program

Career progression

Sustainability initiative

Networking events

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK offers a Finance Graduate Programme based in Chipping Sodbury, Bristol. You will gain hands-on experience across FP&A, RCC, Tax and Internal Controls while working toward ACCA or CIMA qualification.

The programme develops accounting knowledge and leadership skills within a global building materials company. You're expected to complete a three-year Finance Graduate Programme, with exposure to multiple finance areas and opportunities to partner with senior professionals

Qualifications

• Predicted or achieved a minimum 2:1 degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics.
• Willingness to undertake ACCA or CIMA professional training.
• Strong Excel skills; SAP knowledge is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and post journals and accruals within JDE and SAP systems.
• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations for designated areas.
• Ensure month-end postings are accurate and completed on time.
• Investigate financial issues and identify solutions using sound judgement.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Assist with variance analysis against budgets and forecasts.
• Support performance reporting and business planning activities.
• Contribute to monthly and group reporting requirements.
• Assist with ad hoc financial and strategic projects.
• Support business partnering activities across the organisation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Organised & detail-oriented

Proactive & curious

Team player

Results focused

Education

2:1 degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

SAP

Job description

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

Kickstart Your Career as a Finance Graduate

• Location: Chipping Sodbury, Bristol
• Salary: £30,937 per annum
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Why Choose Our Graduate Programme?

Start your graduate journey with Heidelberg Materials and gain valuable experience within one of the world's leading building materials companies. As a Finance Graduate, you'll play a key role in supporting our Finance function while working towards a professional accounting qualification (ACCA or CIMA). You'll gain exposure to a broad range of finance disciplines, including Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Record to Consolidate (RCC), Tax, and Internal Controls, providing a strong foundation for a successful finance career. We employ over 51,000 people across more than 50 countries and are committed to developing the next generation of business leaders through our structured graduate programme.

Our graduate programme

Our graduate programme is designed to develop future finance professionals and leaders by providing hands-on experience, professional qualifications, and support from experienced finance experts. You'll gain exposure to multiple areas of the business, build strong commercial awareness, and develop the technical and leadership skills needed to thrive in a dynamic organisation.

Finance Graduate Programme (Three Years)

• Work towards a recognised ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Gain experience across Finance, FP&A, Tax, Internal Controls, and Financial Reporting.
• Develop technical accounting knowledge and business partnering skills.
• Collaborate with experienced finance professionals across the business.
• Support business performance through meaningful financial analysis and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Prepare and post journals and accruals within JDE and SAP systems.
• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations for designated areas.
• Ensure month-end postings are accurate and completed on time.
• Investigate financial issues and identify solutions using sound judgement.
• Support internal and external audit activities.

Business Performance & Analysis

• Assist with variance analysis against budgets and forecasts.
• Support performance reporting and business planning activities.
• Contribute to monthly and group reporting requirements.
• Assist with ad hoc financial and strategic projects.
• Support business partnering activities across the organisation.

Tax & Internal Controls

• Support tax compliance and reporting activities.
• Assist with process reviews and documentation.
• Contribute to maintaining effective internal controls.
• Support follow-up actions to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Relationship Building & Communication

• Liaise with operational and finance teams to resolve queries.
• Build strong working relationships across the business.
• Provide financial support and advice to internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within Finance.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Support Heidelberg Materials' Zero Harm philosophy.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and controls.
• Promote safe and environmentally responsible working practices.
• Participate in training and development activities as required.

What We're Looking For

• Analytical Thinker: You enjoy solving problems and making sense of data.
• Strong Communicator: You can build relationships and communicate confidently.
• Organised & Detail-Oriented: You take pride in producing accurate work.
• Proactive & Curious: You are eager to learn and take ownership.
• Team Player: You enjoy collaborating and contributing to shared goals.
• Results Focused: You are committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Entry Requirements

• Graduated in 2026 or due to graduate in 2027
• Predicted or achieved a minimum 2:1 degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics.
• Willingness to undertake ACCA or CIMA professional training.
• Previous accounting experience or knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping is advantageous.
• Strong Excel skills; SAP knowledge is beneficial.
• British citizenship or UK settled status.
• Full UK driving Licence

Benefits

• A great salary: Earn a starting salary of nearly £31,000 a year along with a comprehensive benefits package.
• Hands-on learning: Gain practical experience working with industry professionals and using real equipment from day one.
• Leadership skills: Develop a deep understanding of our business and hone your leadership, technical and people skills.
• Professional development: Opportunities for continued learning and career growth including workshops, seminars and networking.
• Sustainability: Be a part of our commitment to a more sustainable future including decarbonisation, carbon capture and recycling.
• Cutting-edge technology: Gain the skills to operate the latest advancements in construction and digital technology.
• Mentoring and support: Dedicated mentorship from a senior manager to provide career advice, personal development and guidance.
• Networking opportunities: Build valuable connections with industry experts at company events, conferences and industry seminars.
• Diversity and inclusion: We’re proud of our diverse workforce because we know an inclusive workplace makes us more successful.
• Social value: Get involved in our many charitable and community events throughout the year that also help us win new contracts.
• Career progression: Early advancement in the company including further opportunities for personal growth and development.