Sainsbury's - Finance FastStart 2026 Graduate Programme

Sainsbury’s Group; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization in the UK is offering a three-year rotational finance programme. Participants will support specific business areas, deliver financial analysis and insights, and prepare for professional accounting qualifications. Ideal candidates are final-year students or recent graduates in finance-related disciplines. This role emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, and strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Basic knowledge of financial processes and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Interpret financial information for stakeholders.
• Produce forecasts and budget reports.
• Support annual financial cycles and audits.

Skills

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Excel

Job description

Overview

During the three-year rotational programme, your role will involve supporting specific business areas and the wider Finance team by:

Responsibilities

• Interpreting financial information to provide insight, analysis and commentary to stakeholders
• Work with the business to produce forecasts including monthly reforecasts and budgeting in line with FP&A processes
• Complete ad hoc / bespoke analysis and reporting for the business area as required to drive improvements
• Involvement in the annual financial cycle e.g. period-end processes, year-end results, financial planning and forecasting
• Support roadshows and meetings by preparing presentations and analysis for investors
• Build business partnering relationships with multiple stakeholders, support, challenge and influence where required
• Learn, understand and adhere to robust financial controls
• Work alongside relevant third parties to ensure processes are executed successfully
• Be able to effectively communicate complex financial or accounting processes to a non finance business stakeholder.
• Prepare and post accounting journals accurately and in a timely manner
• Work with external auditors to fulfil audit requests at key points of our external reporting cycle, e.g. Interims.
• Access to technical guidance from Big Four consulting and audit teams where necessary
• Support through your professional accounting qualification studies, including paid study leave and the practical experience you'll need
• Graduate mentor to support you throughout the programme

Qualifications

• You are a self-motivated individual who can plan and prioritise workloads, adhering to strict deadlines.
• You have the ability to work effectively within a team, whilst working without direct supervision.
• You are an effective communicator who can work collaboratively and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
• We welcome applications from final year students and graduates who are working towards or have completed a degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field).
• A natural curiosity and understanding of the macro-economic environment.
• A desire to study for an accountancy qualification and shows a growth mindset approach to learning new skills and behaviours
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); advanced Excel modelling skills are an advantage
• Strong presentation skills with an aptitude for turning data into analysis and insight through storytelling