At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team and tackle real business challenges while gaining practical experience.
- Company: Aberdeen, a leading investment firm committed to people and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career as a Chartered Accountant in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with strong analytical skills and a passion for finance.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh
Role type: 3-year graduate programme
Start date: August 2026
Closing date: Friday 19th June (may close earlier). Assessment centre in mid-July 2026.
About Aberdeen: At Aberdeen, we believe in investing in more than just markets; we invest in people. The Finance function, led by the Chief Financial Officer, is structured into four specialist group teams and three commercially focused business units supporting Interactive Investor, Adviser, and Investments. The function is further enabled by a dedicated Finance COO Office, ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment. Our finance team plays a central role in supporting the performance and growth of the business. It delivers the analysis and insight needed for effective budgeting, forecasting and reporting, while also providing the expertise that helps inform decision‑making across the organisation.
What You'll Do: The opportunity to join us as a graduate is one that is unique, exciting and rewarding. Our finance training programme is designed to provide graduates with the practical experience and professional study support needed to qualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA) with ICAS. We’re looking for graduates with strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the ability to see the bigger picture. You’ll also need to communicate clearly and work effectively with a range of stakeholders. From day one, you’ll take on meaningful work, build practical experience and gain exposure to real business challenges and responsibilities.
What You'll Gain: Our Finance Graduate Programme offers the opportunity to start your career in a supportive team environment while working towards the ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification. Through a combination of structured study, practical experience delivered through various rotations, you’ll develop technical expertise in finance and accounting alongside broader business skills such as analysis, communication, presentation, and ethics. By working across a range of teams, graduates gain broad and varied experience, collaborate with talented professionals from across the business and take part in development opportunities alongside their peers on the programme.
Who We’re Looking For: We welcome graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds with a particular interest in Finance and becoming a Chartered Accountant, who have graduated in 2025 or are due to graduate in 2026. Strong commercial awareness, creativity, and excellent communication skills. Strong motivation and commercial awareness, with a genuine interest in financial services and clear career aspirations. Strong commitment to continuous learning, motivation and discipline needed to achieve the ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification. Results‑focused with the ability to deliver to a high standard, manage competing priorities and take ownership of outcomes. Client‑focused mindset, with the ability to understand needs and proactively improve service delivery. Effective communicator and team player, able to build relationships and collaborate with others. Analytical and curious thinker, with the ability to learn quickly, connect ideas and apply insights in new situations.
We Value: Teamwork and relationship‑building. Clear and creative communication. Ownership and attention to detail. Interest in financial services and client engagement. Commitment to personal growth and development.
Application Process: Online application and CV submission. Online testing. Pre‑recorded video interview. Assessment Centre (group activity, case study, panel interview).
Our Commitment to Inclusion: Aberdeen is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. As a Disability Confident Committed Level One employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and provide support throughout the recruitment process. If you require reasonable accommodations, please contact us (aberdeenearlycareers@aberdeenplc.com) and we will ensure they are accommodated.
Our Benefits: There's more to working life than coming home with a good salary. We have an environment where you can learn, get involved and be supported. When you join us, your reward will be one of the best around. This includes 40 days’ annual leave, a 16% employer pension contribution, a discretionary performance‑based bonus (where applicable), private healthcare and a range of flexible benefits – including gym discounts, season ticket loans and access to an employee discount portal.
Apply Today: Join us in building a future where everyone can thrive. For more information visit our careers site: Aberdeen Careers.
Equal Opportunity Statement: We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued and where we are free from any form of unfair or unlawful treatment. We define diversity in its broadest sense – this includes but is not limited to our diversity of educational and professional backgrounds, experience, cognitive and neurodiversity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and ethnicity and geographical provenance. We support a culture that values meritocracy, fairness and transparency and welcomes enquiries from everyone.
Accounting & Finance Graduate employer: aberdeen
Aberdeen is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a comprehensive Finance Graduate Programme designed to equip graduates with the skills and qualifications needed to excel in their careers. Located in Edinburgh, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values teamwork, clear communication, and personal growth, alongside generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave, a substantial pension contribution, and private healthcare. With a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on meaningful work, Aberdeen provides a unique opportunity for graduates to thrive in a dynamic financial environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting & Finance Graduate
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're a student or recent grad eyeing a trainee role in banking or financial services, your university career services are your secret weapon. They often have connections with firms, and can guide you to exclusive openings that aren't advertised widely, so make sure to get in touch!
✨Get Involved in Finance Societies
Joining finance-related societies or clubs at your university can seriously up your game. They often host networking events, guest speaker sessions, and workshops that can connect you directly with industry professionals and potential employers.
✨Show Your Passion Through Projects
Try working on finance-related projects or internships, even if they're unpaid. It shows your commitment and gives you something to discuss in interviews. Plus, if you've got a blog or a portfolio detailing your findings on market trends, that can really impress recruiters!
✨Use Our Website to Find Opportunities
We at StudySmarter recommend that you regularly check our website for trainee opportunities at leading companies like aberdeen. They often post openings directly there, so don't miss out on the chance to apply and show what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting & Finance Graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show your numbers!:In banking and financial services, we love a bit of quantification. Be sure to highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or projects that showcase your analytical skills. If you've tackled math-heavy subjects or have experience with financial modelling, let that shine on your CV!
Tailor your application to finance:Don't just copy and paste a generic cover letter; weave in your passion for finance and share any relevant experiences or internships, no matter how small. Writing about your motivations and learning potential in relation to the role will help us see you fit in at aberdeen.
Certifications can set you apart:If you've got any finance-related certifications (think CFA Level 1, ACCA, or even online courses), make sure to include them! They show initiative and a commitment to your career in banking, which we really appreciate.
Proofread with a fine-tooth comb:In finance, attention to detail is crucial! Spam your application with typos or poor formatting, and we may flag you as 'not detail-oriented'. So, let’s double-check everything. A clear structure in your CV and cover letter will also help your application stand out. Remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at aberdeen
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Make sure you’re comfortable with financial concepts and terminology. The interview may dive into areas like risk assessment or investment strategies, so revisiting some core principles and current trends in the banking sector will really help us stand out at aberdeen.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Practising with examples can help us articulate our thought process clearly and show how we approach problem-solving specific to the banking and financial services sector.
✨Highlight Your Learning Agility
As a trainee, they’re looking for potential over experience. We should emphasise our willingness to learn and adapt. Be ready to discuss how we’ve taken on challenges in the past, showcasing our growth mindset and eagerness to dive into the banking world with both feet.
✨Showcase Your Interest in the Industry
Let your passion for banking shine through! Discuss any relevant coursework, internships, or even personal finance projects you’ve explored. This not only demonstrates our knowledge but also our genuine enthusiasm for a career in banking at aberdeen.
