Finance - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization is looking for Finance Graduates to join their 2026 Graduate Programme. This unique opportunity includes three annual placements across Finance functions, with career development support and the chance to achieve Chartered Accountant status. Ideal candidates will have a degree and strong numerical skills. The role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a bonus scheme.

Benefits

Salary reviews throughout the Programme

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Annual Leave of 25 days

Opportunity for paid overtime

Flexible additional leave up to 15 days

Fantastic site facilities including subsidized meals

Qualifications

• General interest in Finance and strong numerical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience through three one-year placements working in Finance.
• Study for the CIMA/ACA Professional Qualification, fully funded.
• Support business in value creation and deliver as one team.

Skills

Numerical skills

Interest in Finance

Education

Degree qualified in any subject (minimum 2.2)

Job description

Overview

Finance - Graduate Programme 2026

Finance Graduates at MBDA work in three annual placements to gain knowledge and experience in various areas of Finance, working with colleagues across the business nationally and internationally. At the end of the three years, you will have achieved the ultimate reward of becoming a Chartered Accountant while having gained experiences including (but not limited to) reporting, budget and business plan preparation, and financial management of contracts.

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025

What we can offer you

• 3 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...

The opportunity

Our vision in Finance is to operate as one coordinated team, which strives to deliver a consistent application of standard methodology, financial controls and processes. We look to challenge all areas of the business, improve shareholder value, protect the assets of MBDA and ensure we align with all national and shareholder requirements.

Finance Graduates work in three one-year placements to gain knowledge and experience in various areas of Finance, working with colleagues across the business, both nationally and internationally. This includes the potential opportunity to complete one of these placements with either our Manufacturing Finance team in Bolton or our Projects or Cost Base Finance teams in Bristol with a compensated relocation package to support the year at another site to Stevenage.

Potential placements could be available in the following areas:

• Accounting and Planning - preparation of company level financial plans and reports for senior management and other stakeholders
• Programmes Finance - working as a business partner within multi-functional teams, focused on contract delivery and execution
• Cost Control - control of functional budgets, including Information Management and Facilities, and recovery of the cost base through hourly rates
• Bids and Contract Evaluation - support the creation of robust, profitable financial proposals to customers for our products and services

Alongside your role, you'll study for the CIMA/ACA Professional Qualification, which we fully fund as well as providing additional leave for study and exams. Training courses on offer provide learning opportunities for soft skills and deeper understanding of the organisation to support you in your career development. Support and mentorship will be provided by experienced Finance team members, as well as fellow finance graduates, a buddy and a mentor, who will all ensure you get the most from the programme.

At the end of the three years upon exam and end point assessment completion, you will have become a Chartered Global Management Accountant or Associate Chartered Accountant through the completion of the Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship.

Working in the Finance function provides the opportunity to develop as a business partner, supporting the business in value creation, sharing of standard methodology, and delivering as one team across cultures and national boundaries.

What we're looking for from you

• Degree qualified in any subject (minimum 2.2)
• Accounting, Finance or Business qualifications are not essential, but it is important that you demonstrate a general interest in Finance and strong numerical skills.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given.

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more...

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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