Finance Manager Scheme 2026

Wickes; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Contributory pension

Discount platform with cashback

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Job summary

Wickes is offering a Finance Manager Scheme based at our Support Centre in Watford. The programme runs 3 to 4 years, combining practical experience with ACCA qualification, professional development and clear career paths.

You’ll learn financial analysis, month-end reporting and business decision support, with mentorship from senior finance leaders and cross-functional collaboration. You’ll start around £30,000 and have yearly salary progression as you qualify, with benefits including pension,

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 Bs at A-Level (or equivalent) and grade 7+ in Maths and English.
• Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or higher.
• Keen interest in finance career with strong learning potential.
• Positive attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to study ACCA during the programme.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical expertise in financial analysis and month-end reporting.
• Receive mentorship from senior finance leaders to understand business decisions.
• Build a corporate network through workshops and cross-functional events.
• Provide data-driven insights to optimise departmental budgets and performance.
• Take ownership of projects that improve operational efficiency.
• By the end of the programme, become a qualified accountant.

Skills

Positive attitude

Financial acumen

Interest in finance

Willingness to learn

Education

2:1 degree or higher

A-Levels: 3 Bs; Maths and English grade 7+

GCSE Maths & English grade 7+

Job description

Location: WATFORD LINK HOUSE SUPPORT CENTRE WICKES

Position Type: Permanent, Contract Type: Full Time

Hours of work: 37.5

Descriptions & Requirements

Finance Manager Scheme 2026

If you’re looking to start a career in finance with real progression, strong support, and room to learn and grow, Wickes would be the right place to begin. We have an exciting opportunity for school leavers and graduates to join our Finance Manager Scheme. Based at our Support Centre in Watford, the scheme offers a structured 3 to 4 year programme combining real experience whilst studying for the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA) qualification, professional development and clear career pathways. We open this scheme once a year, so this is your chance to apply.

You'll be part of a finance team that supports a fast-paced, growing FTSE 250-listed business and build the skills needed to progress into a finance manager role.

What you’ll learn and do:

• Develop technical expertise in financial analysis, month-end reporting and other core financial competencies
• Benefit from direct mentorship and coaching from senior finance leaders to understand the "why" behind business decisions.
• Build a corporate network through dedicated workshops, internal events, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide data-driven insights to help departments optimise their budgets and financial performance.
• Take ownership of projects that directly impact our operational efficiency.
• By the end of our programme, you’ll be a qualified accountant.

Who we’re looking for:

What matters most to us is your positive attitude and potential . And you’d need the following:

• You have positive energy and thrive in a fast-paced environment!
• You’re keen to understand how financial figures drive commercial performance
• You’re a school-leaver or graduate with a keen interest in a career in finance
• You’ve achieved a minimum of 3 Bs at A-Level (or equival ent) and a grade 7 or above in both Maths and English at GCS E.
• You’ve achieved an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or higher. (Not applicable for school leavers)
• You’re motivated to learn and develop.
• You’re curious about how business works.
• You have strong communication skills.

If that sounds like you, you’ll be well supported here at Wickes.

What can we offer you?

You’ll receive structured learning, mentoring and on-the-job experience designed to help you grow with confidence. We’ll fund your books, courses as well as your first exam attempts. You’ll get study leave for each exam. Your starting salary is £30,000. As you progress through the scheme and complete your qualifications, your salary will increase each year, recognising your development and achievement.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Competitive bonus
• Contributory pension
• Access to a discount platform with cashback and savings at a wide range of retailers
• Cycle-to-work scheme and gym discounts

Our culture is one of our strongest assets. We offer flexible working, with a blend of office and remote working. We support a healthy balance between work and life, so you can be at your best in both.

About Wickes

What we’re most proud of is our culture. We’re inclusive, supportive and down-to-earth, with a strong sense of teamwork and shared ambition. At Wickes, you can be yourself, ask questions and grow at your own pace.

We're a multi-channel home improvement retailer. We generate £1.6bn+ in revenue, operating across 230 stores and online, and are supported by over 8000 colleagues.