Finance Graduate Apprentice (Holland & Barrett) in Peacehaven

At Holland & Barrett, we’re on a mission to make health and wellness a way of life for everyone. As one of the UK’s leading health and wellness retailers, we’re transforming into a digitally-led, insight-driven business – and finance is at the heart of that journey. Join us as a Finance Graduate and play a vital role in supporting our commercial growth, operational efficiency, and strategic transformation. Our 3-year Finance Graduate Scheme is designed to fast-track your career within one of the most dynamic areas of our business. Over the course of the programme, you'll complete four 9-month placements across key areas of the Finance function, building a broad foundation while working towards a fully funded professional qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA).

Your Rotations:

• Internal Audit: No specific listed responsibilities, just a rotation into the team.
• Transactional Finance: Get hands‑on experience with the day‑to‑day operations that keep our business moving: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Cash Management.
• Financial Reporting, Internal Audit & Control: Work on month‑end processes, audit preparation, internal audit, compliance, and statutory reporting.
• Commercial Finance: Partner with teams across Buying, Marketing, central functions and Retail to support product performance analysis, category profitability, and promotional strategy.
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Contribute to business‑wide planning, forecasting, and strategic modelling to drive better financial outcomes.

You’ll also gain exposure to projects that focus on automation, sustainability, and transformation – helping us shape the future of finance at Holland & Barrett.

What needs to be done:

• Assist in preparing accurate and timely financial reports and management information.
• Participate in annual budget and periodic forecasting processes.
• Support financial control activities including reconciliations and month‑end tasks.

Key Responsibilities / Activities:

• Develop and maintain financial models to support commercial decisions.
• Identify and recommend improvements to financial processes and systems.
• Work closely with operational teams to provide financial insights and drive value.
• Contribute to project work such as systems implementations or change initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators – Success Measures:

• Timeliness and accuracy of financial reports and models.
• Contribution to budgeting and forecasting accuracy.
• Impact and quality of process improvement initiatives.
• Positive feedback from internal stakeholders.
• Achievement towards professional qualifications (e.g., CIMA, ACCA).

Future Prospects: Fixed‑term contract for 3 years, potential for permanent role upon completion of apprenticeship.

Training Provided: BPP apprenticeship training programmes are delivered virtually by our fully qualified and industry‑experienced training team. Throughout the apprenticeship learners receive coaching, help and guidance from a dedicated team who are there to ensure they get the most from their work experience.

Skills Required:

• Team working.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong numerical skills.
• Confident communicator.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Adaptability.
• Eagerness to learn.

Qualifications Required:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline (Grade 2:1 or above).
• Experience with financial software (SAP, Hyperion, etc.) and financial modelling capabilities.
• AI/knowledge of SQL/Coding beneficial.
• Prior university projects, coursework or internships demonstrating finance‑related skills and previous work experience in a finance or accounting function.
• Understanding of financial principles, budgeting, accounting processes, and awareness of financial reporting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP).
• Curiosity about retail and a genuine interest in health & wellness.