At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into finance with real responsibilities and influence key business decisions.
- Company: Join British Airways, a leading airline with a dynamic finance team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional qualification support, and discounted flights.
- Other info: Connect with peers, engage in community initiatives, and explore global opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while working with AI and emerging technologies.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree; strong communication and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34500 - 34500 £ per year.
Duration: Three years
Location: London Heathrow
Salary: £34,500
Application Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026
Start Date: October 2026
Role Overview
You will immediately enter the first of three roles with real responsibility, business partnering critical areas of the British Airways business. You could be influencing investment decisions on our onboard products, analysing commercial decisions on network growth opportunities, or negotiating with our vast supplier network to maintain cost competitiveness.
As finance continues to evolve, we are building an organisation of finance professionals who combine strong commercial judgement with the ability to work effectively alongside AI-enabled tools and autonomous digital agents. This means understanding not only how to use technology to improve outcomes, but also how to supervise, challenge and validate AI-supported analysis and processes within a secure, transparent, traceable and auditable regulatory framework.
You’ll gain exposure to how modern finance teams balance traditional analytical and business partnering skills with new capabilities in data, automation and AI governance — helping shape the future of finance at one of the world’s leading airlines.
You’ll make the most of your three years via three rotating placements, experiencing different ideas and projects within different areas of Finance supporting teams across the business – all while building your network along the way.
You’ll quickly become an invaluable asset within any team, experiencing the breadth and depth of opportunities that only one of the world's biggest and best-known airlines can provide. We’ll also sponsor and support you to gain your preferred professional finance qualification – CIMA, ACCA or ACA (ICAEW).
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for a minimum of a 2:2 degree (or equivalent) or above in any subject. You will be commercially aware, have strong communication skills, and will demonstrate an ability to influence others. You will also have strong problem‑solving skills, with a willingness to tackle business challenges in creative and strategic ways. We are particularly interested in curious and adaptable individuals who are excited by how AI and emerging technologies can enhance finance, while recognising the importance of human judgement, governance, accountability and ethical decision‑making. An interest in combining traditional finance skills with the ability to operate effectively in technology‑enabled environments, including supervising AI-assisted workflows and automated processes.
Benefits
- Be part of our graduate community and connect with peers across the business
- Get involved in sustainability and community initiatives
- Join colleague networks such as LGBTQ+ Flying Proud and ethnic minority network BeMe
- Volunteer in schools and universities to inspire future talent
- Enjoy discounted flights and generous annual leave to explore the world
Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the graduate scheme. Please also note that the completion of the graduate scheme will enable the graduates to be eligible to apply for Finance roles. Finance roles are not currently eligible for sponsorship.
Graduate - Finance in London employer: British Airways
As a Graduate in Finance at British Airways, you will join a dynamic and innovative team at one of the world's leading airlines, located at London Heathrow. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth, offering opportunities to gain valuable experience across various finance functions while supporting your pursuit of professional qualifications. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, along with benefits like discounted flights and generous annual leave, British Airways is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate - Finance in London
✨Tap into University Career Services
Your university’s career services are a goldmine for placements in banking and financial services. They often have direct connections with top firms and can help you land internships like the one at British Airways. Don’t miss out on career fairs and employer presentations – make the most of these opportunities!
✨Get Involved with Finance Societies
Join or become active in finance and investment societies at your uni. These societies often host networking events and workshops that can connect us with potential employers. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable insights and skills while meeting like-minded peers!
✨Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye out for finance-related events and conferences in your area, especially as they’re great spots to meet professionals in the industry. Look for events that specifically focus on banking or investment, as they often lead to placement opportunities, including roles at British Airways.
✨Tailor Your Networking Approach
When you’re networking, be genuine and specific about your interests in banking. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice. If you’re targeting a placement at British Airways, mentioning it during chats can set you apart and show your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Academic Achievements:In the banking and financial services sector, your grades can really make a difference. Make sure to include your latest academic results and any relevant coursework, especially if you’ve studied finance, economics, or related fields. We love seeing strong performance in quantitative subjects!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Even though this is a placement, having some experience—like internships, part-time jobs, or university finance clubs—can set you apart. Talk about any finance-related projects or roles you've held, and quantify your achievements where possible. Think of tangible skills you gained that are applicable to the role!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. When crafting your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically for the role at British Airways. Highlight skills like analytical thinking, attention to detail, and any software proficiency—like Excel or financial modelling tools—that could be relevant. We want to see that you’re ready to jump right in!
Craft a Convincing Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your motivation for pursuing a placement in banking and financial services at British Airways. It’s a great chance to show your passion for finance and your eagerness to learn from industry professionals. Share why you think this setting is perfect for your personal and professional growth!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Mastering Financial Fundamentals
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services sector, brush up on the basics like financial ratios, market trends, and key economic indicators. Be ready to tackle questions that test your understanding of these concepts — they might even throw in a case study for you to solve on the spot!
✨Polish Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are crucial in banking, so prepare to demonstrate yours. You could be given hypothetical scenarios involving data sets or client portfolios during the interview. Practise walking through your thought process clearly — showing how you approach problems will impress the interviewers at British Airways.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As this is a placement, they will want to see your eagerness to learn and grow in the industry. Share examples from your studies or any projects where you showcased your ability to pick up new skills quickly. This will show that you're adaptable and ready to tackle real-world challenges.
✨Showcase Your Passion for the Industry
Let your enthusiasm for banking and financial services shine through! Discuss recent news, trends, or developments that excites you, especially those relevant to British Airways. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also your genuine interest in the role and company culture.
