Finance Trainee

Cancer Research UK; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Study support

Job summary

Cancer Research UK is offering a Finance Training Academy placement where you'll rotate through core finance areas, building technical expertise and working toward your professional qualification. You'll gain exposure to transactional finance, financial accounting, FP&A and management reporting in a supported environment.

This permanent, full-time role is office-based with flexible, hybrid working 1–2 days in the office. Aged 18+ entry and DBS checks apply as part of our policy.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good Excel and IT skills, with confidence using spreadsheets and financial systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A customer-focused approach with the confidence to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Complete rotations across our finance function to build technical expertise.
• Gain experience in transactional finance, accounting, pensions, and controls.
• Support FP&A, month-end reporting and year-end processes.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Excel and IT proficiency

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Stakeholder relationship building

Education

Accounting qualification interest (ACCA or CIMA)

Tools

Financial systems

Job description

£25,000 - £30,000 per annum plus benefits including study support

Reports to: Finance Manager

Directorate: Finance, Governance & Assurance

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 19 October 2026 23:55

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: 1 -2 stage competency-based interview

What will I be doing?

As part of the Finance Training Academy, you'll complete a series of rotations across our finance function, gaining experience in a variety of specialist areas. Each rotation will have clear objectives and development opportunities, helping you build technical expertise and progress towards your professional qualification. You may gain experience in:

Experience areas

• Transactional Finance: Processing donations, income and financial transactions accurately and efficiently. Supporting Accounts Payable activities, including supplier invoice processing and payments. Assisting with pension administration and responding to member queries. Contributing to financial controls and reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Financial Accounting & Control: Supporting the preparation of year-end accounts and statutory reporting. Assisting with audit processes and maintaining strong financial controls. Completing balance sheet and account reconciliations. Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and ways of working across the finance function.
• Management Accounting & Reporting: Supporting month-end activities, including accruals, prepayments and financial reviews. Assisting with the preparation of monthly and quarterly management reports. Gaining exposure to key accounting areas such as payroll, fixed assets and investments. Helping improve reporting processes and the quality of financial information.
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities. Producing financial analysis, variance commentary and management insights. Working with stakeholders across the charity to understand financial performance and future requirements. Providing ad hoc analysis and reporting to support business decision‑making.

What We're Looking For

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good Excel and IT skills, with confidence using spreadsheets and financial systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A customer‑focused approach with the confidence to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Behaviours

• Motivated and eager to learn, with a genuine interest in finance.
• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Committed to delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
• Open to new ideas and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• A collaborative and professional approach that reflects Cancer Research UK’s values and mission.

Qualifications & Experience

• A strong interest in pursuing a professional accounting qualification (ACCA or CIMA).
• Demonstrates the commitment and motivation required to balance work and professional studies.

Our organisation values

• Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
• Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
• Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
• Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment for this role will be subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work.

We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.

We’re the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving and improving lives with our research. We work to reduce the impact of cancer on people’s day-to-day lives through our research, influence and information. We are beating cancer – step by step, day by day. Our work means that people with cancer live better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. Find a purposeful career that will empower you to grow and collaborate with like-minded experts.