Finance Graduate Schemes UK 2026: Big 4, FTSE 100 and Beyond
A guide to finance and accounting graduate schemes in the UK - what they involve, who offers them, and how to get one.
What Is a Finance Graduate Scheme?
Finance graduate schemes are structured 2-4 year programmes that combine work experience with professional qualification support. The best schemes pay competitive salaries, fund your ACCA, ACA, or CIMA qualification entirely, and rotate you through different areas of the business. They are competitive to enter but represent some of the best-value career development available to new graduates.
Types of Scheme
Big 4 graduate programmes (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY): Typically audit, tax, or advisory focused. Fund ACA qualification. Starting salary £28,000-£38,000 (London). Highly competitive - typically 1-5% acceptance rates.
FTSE 100/250 finance graduate schemes: Typically management accounting or financial reporting focused. Fund CIMA or ACCA. Starting salary £28,000-£38,000. Less publicised but often excellent development programmes. Companies like Unilever, Tesco, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and GSK run well-regarded schemes.
Banking graduate schemes: Investment banking (Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Barclays) are distinct from finance graduate schemes - they focus on front-office roles. Finance/CFO function schemes at banks (HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest) are more relevant and fund ACCA/CIMA.
Public sector schemes: NHS Financial Management Training Scheme (FMTS), Government Finance Scheme. Salary lower (£25,000-£32,000) but excellent development and job security.
Application Timeline
Most major graduate schemes open applications in September-November for the following September start. Apply early - many schemes close before the deadline when they fill. The process typically involves an online application, aptitude tests (numerical and verbal reasoning), a video interview, and an assessment centre.
Further Reading
Study with Learnsignal: Whether you are on a graduate scheme or self-studying, Learnsignal offers flexible ACCA and CIMA courses. Explore courses.
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Johnny Meagher
Expert Tutor at Learnsignal
Qualified professional with years of experience in teaching and helping students achieve their accounting qualifications.
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