At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in finance tasks, from analysis to reporting, while learning from industry experts.
- Company: Join Cummins, a global leader committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience in a major organisation.
- Qualifications: Must be a university student interested in Accounting and Finance.
- Other info: Placement starts Summer 2026; apply by 23rd January 2026.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Finance Placement Student to join our team specialising in Finance for our Distribution Business Segment in the UK, Darlington. During your placement with us, you will learn how a major global organisation operates, gaining the tools and exposure you will need to become an expert in the industry and power your potential! This role is available to candidates who qualify for a placement year and will commence Summer 2026.
Responsibilities
- Assist with compiling, consolidating and conducting basic analysis of accounting and finance information.
- Assist with basic preparation of journal entries to support month‑end closing, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Provide assistance with monthly and annual account reconciliations under direct supervision.
- Assist with the preparation of tables, charts and other exhibits for reports.
- Assist in financial analysis, interpreting financial data by analysing trends, variances, opportunities and risks to provide insight to stakeholders regarding financial impact to drive business improvement.
- Assist with financial regulations acumen, evaluating applicable regulations for the financial area of focus such as tax, banking, pension and local accounting.
- Reconcile AP liability accounts, GRNI (Goods Received Not Invoiced) and AP‑related balance sheet accounts.
- Complete reporting packs and administrative work using Microsoft tools such as Excel and Outlook.
Qualifications
- Must be a university degree student with an interest in Accounting and Finance.
- An awareness of Microsoft tools such as Excel and Outlook.
- The ability to actively learn through experimentation, using both successes and failures as opportunities to grow and tackle new problems effectively.
- Strong collaboration skills to develop partnerships with stakeholders, drive performance aligned with organisational goals, and provide guidance to support decision‑making processes.
- Proficiency in leveraging internal control frameworks, assessing internal controls and developing remediation plans to mitigate financial reporting risks and adapt to changing business needs.
At Cummins, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, colour, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or any other status protected by law. As a disability‑confident employer, we strive to make our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to accommodate a health condition or disability, please let us know. Your journey with us matters!
CLOSING DATE: Friday, 23rd January 2026.
Placement Student- Distribution Business Unit Finance, Darlington employer: Cummins Europe
Contact Detail:
Cummins Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Student- Distribution Business Unit Finance, Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for a chat. They can give you insider info about the company culture and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to finance. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. It’ll help you showcase your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with recruiters or during interviews, let your passion for finance shine through. Share why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates right there, making it super easy to stay in the loop.
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Student- Distribution Business Unit Finance, Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects related to finance and accounting. We want to see how your experiences align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the placement and explain why you're a great fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft tools like Excel and Outlook. If you have any experience with financial analysis or reporting, make sure to include that too. We love seeing candidates who are ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cummins Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on basic accounting and finance concepts before the interview. Be prepared to discuss financial statements, journal entries, and reconciliations. This will show your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the key responsibilities.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since you'll be using Microsoft Excel regularly, make sure you’re comfortable with its functions. Practice creating tables and charts, as well as performing basic data analysis. Being able to demonstrate these skills can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires strong collaboration skills, so think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team. Be ready to share how you’ve partnered with others to achieve goals or solve problems, as this will highlight your ability to fit into their team culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s financial practices or the specific challenges faced by the Distribution Business Unit. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.