Finance Graduate

Preston Jobs; Preston; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kickstart your finance career with a structured graduate scheme at a leading council in Lancashire. Over three years, you will rotate through finance placements, gain essential skills for an accounting career, and work towards a professional qualification. This is a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates looking to make a positive impact in their local communities.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Staff discount scheme with UK retailers

Qualifications

• Recent graduates (within the last four years).
• Preferred degrees in Maths, Finance, Business or related subjects.
• Strong attitude towards learning and solutions-focused thinking.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the preparation of financial reports and statements.
• Conducting financial analysis and providing insights.
• Participating in budgeting and forecasting processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Financial analysis

Communication

Collaborative skills

Education

Minimum 2:2 degree in any subject

Job description

Salary £31,067 - £35,235 per annum | Full Time, Fixed Term 3 year contract, 37 hours per week | Financial Management | Preston

Kickstart Your Finance Career with Lancashire County Council!

Are you a recent finance graduate eager to launch your career in a dynamic and supportive environment? We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented graduate to join our team as part of our Finance Graduate Scheme.

What You Can Expect from Our Graduate Scheme:

This comprehensive three-year programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as an accountant and future leader at Lancashire County Council. The programme includes rotations through 6-month placements in various finance and audit teams, providing a deep understanding of financial services and local government.

Our graduate programme offers you an exceptional opportunity to develop your skills and experience via a rotation of placements across the finance service. You will be supported to study a professional accountancy qualification Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

What You'll Be Doing:

• Assisting in the preparation of financial reports and statements.
• Conducting financial analysis and providing insights to support decision-making.
• Participating in budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Collaborating with various departments to ensure accurate financial data.
• Supporting the finance team in day-to-day operations and special projects.

What We Are Looking For:

• Recently graduates (within the last four years) with a minimum 2:2 degree in any subject area, though Maths, Finance, Business, or related subjects are preferred.
• An excellent attitude to learning and development. We value innovative thinking and continuous improvement and a solutions-focused outlook.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across finance and other departments.

How to Apply:

Ready to kick-start your career in finance? Apply through the link below. To apply, you'll need to upload your CV and a supporting statement that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria and why you want to launch your career at Lancashire County Council. If you'd like to learn more about exciting opportunity, please join our information session linked below. This will be held on Thursday 19 th June at 12 noon.

Assessment Centre Dates: 15th/16th July 2025

More About Us:

Lancashire County Council is the fourth largest in the UK, covering fourteen districts with a mix of urban and rural communities. We are dedicated to serving the people of Lancashire, helping them live independent lives for as long as possible.

As well as the fantastic development opportunity, by joining Lancashire County Council, you'll be making a positive impact to your local communities by supporting our teams to deliver their essential services in Lancashire. You'll also receive

• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays and concessionary days
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers