Finance Manager Scheme 2027 Graduates & School Leavers

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Save As You Earn scheme

Contributory pension

20% colleague discount

Discount platform access (retail)

Cycle-to-work scheme and gym discounts

Job summary

Wickes in Watford is launching a Finance Manager Scheme for school leavers and graduates. The 3–4 year programme combines hands-on experience with ACCA studies, mentoring, and clear career pathways within a fast-paced FTSE 250-listed business.

Start date is September 2027, with potential earlier. You will gain exposure to month-end reporting, financial analysis, and cross-functional projects while progressing toward a finance manager role.

Qualifications

• A-Level: at least 3 Bs.
• GCSE Maths and English: grade 7+.
• Upper Second-Class Honours degree or higher (not for school leavers).
• Positive energy and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in how financial figures drive commercial performance.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Strong communication

Willing to learn

Curious about business

Positive attitude

Education

A-Level: at least 3 Bs

GCSE Maths and English: grade 7+

Upper Second-Class Honours degree or higher

Job description

Finance Manager Scheme 2027.

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.

Start date: September 2027, with the potential to start earlier

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'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 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'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
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Contributory pension
• 20% colleague discount
• Access to a discount platform with cashback and savings at a wide range of retailers
• Cycle-to-work scheme and gym discounts

Our culture

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.