Finance - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is offering a Finance Undergraduate Placement for 2026, providing insights into financial processes and opportunities for innovative input. Ideal candidates will be studying for a degree with strong numerical skills and an interest in Finance. This hybrid role includes responsibilities in budget preparation and account reconciliation. A competitive salary of £23,495 and various employee benefits are provided.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus purchase options

Up to 15 additional flexi leave days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Studying for a degree is required.
• A general interest in Finance is beneficial.
• Strong numerical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support budget and business plan preparation.
• Reconcile accounts and perform data analysis.
• Understand and implement double entry bookkeeping.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

General interest in Finance

Education

Currently studying for a degree

Job description

Overview

Finance - Undergraduate Placement 2026

The MBDA Finance undergraduate scheme is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight of the business and the types of processes and controls undertaken in the day to day job within one area of the wider Finance team. There is potential to develop your innovation skills and influence change and efficiencies within your placement while networking with colleagues across the business, both Finance and non-Finance.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 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: Midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes)

What we can offer you

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• Company bonus: 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
• 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.

Your placement will be working within one area of Finance in a supportive, experienced team, gaining an understanding of how teams work together across the function.

Role responsibilities may include:

• Support of budget and business plan preparation
• Reconciliation of accounts
• Data analysis
• Understand and implement double entry bookkeeping and financial accounting

You'll be encouraged to improve processes and introduce new ones, and utilise your skills to contribute to the team as well as the company as a whole. In addition - attend training courses and have access to the online learning portal in order to gain as much knowledge as you can through the year.

What we're looking for from you

Currently studying for a degree in any field. You do not need to have a finance background but it is beneficial that you have a general interest in Finance and have 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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