Trainee Finance Manager

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 with cashback

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Job summary

Wickes is offering a Finance Manager Scheme at our Watford Support Centre for school leavers and graduates. Start September 2027, with ACCA studies, mentoring, and clear career paths within a fast-growing FTSE 250-listed business.

You’ll learn financial analysis, month-end reporting, budgeting, and data-driven decision making. You’ll gain direct mentorship, build networks, own projects improving efficiency, and progress to a qualified accountant by the end.

Qualifications

• You have achieved a minimum of 3 Bs at A-Level (or equivalent) and a grade 7 or above in both Maths and English at GCSE.
• You have an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or higher. (Not applicable for school leavers).
• You are a school-leaver or graduate with a keen interest in a career in finance.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Positive energy

Communication skills

Financial curiosity

Understanding business finance

Motivation to learn

Education

A-levels with 3 Bs

GCSE Maths and English grade 7+

2:1 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:

• 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 equivalent) and a grade 7 or above in both Maths and English at GCSE.
• 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
• 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 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.