At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in finance and shape key business decisions.
- Company: Join Sysco, a global leader in foodservice distribution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CIMA support, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career in a dynamic, data-driven environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree or above and a passion for finance.
- Other info: Diverse culture that values your unique talents and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Welcome to the Sysco GB Finance Graduate Programme! At Sysco, food is at the centre of everything we do. As a global leader in foodservice wholesale distribution, we operate with over 76,000 colleagues across 10 countries worldwide. Driven by our purpose to connect the world to share food and care for one another, we’re proud to supply the expertise, products and partnerships that power every corner of the industry - from independent high street cafes to large‑scale corporate customers, and from hospitals and schools to pubs, restaurants and fine dining establishments across the UK.
Our Finance Graduate Programme is your chance to build a future in a fast-moving, data-driven environment. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across core finance functions, work alongside industry experts, and play a key role in shaping decisions that impact the entire business. We’re looking for sharp minds, problem‑solvers, and those who thrive on turning numbers into insights. If you’re ready to accelerate your career and help us drive financial performance at scale, this is the place for you.
The Sysco GB Graduate Programme is designed to give you a dynamic and inspiring start to your career. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, take part in structured learning, and receive personalised mentorship to help you transition into the workplace and develop the skills and confidence needed to grow as a future leader. Through key business rotations, you’ll work on real projects, collaborate with a variety of teams, and gain valuable exposure to senior leaders.
You can expect…
- A structured learning and development plan to build both your technical and professional capabilities
- Mentorship from experienced professionals who will support, guide, and challenge you throughout the programme
- Business placements that give you the experience and exposure to build your skills within Finance
- Networking opportunities with graduates, colleagues, and industry partners to help you grow your professional network
- Continued professional development including workshops, training sessions, and access to learning resources to accelerate your growth
- Exposure to senior leaders providing valuable insights and helping you build your profile across the organisation
- Clear opportunities for career progression and continued development opportunities post programme
As part of Sysco’s Finance Graduate Programme, you’ll rotate through key areas of our Finance function, gaining hands‑on experience and building a strong foundation for your career. Your journey will include:
- Induction Phase – Laying the foundation for your placement rotations and understanding the business from the ground up
- Commercial & Merchandising – Interacting with sales & buying teams to really understand our customer relationship and developing an understanding of pricing, inflation and supplier reconciliations.
- Supply Chain – Experiences the operational side of our business and learning how cost efficiency and KPIs drive performance.
- Central Finance – Dive into financial and management accounting with a holistic view of Sysco GB’s UK wide performance.
You’ll also be fully supported to complete your CIMA qualification. This is your chance to make an impact, learn from industry experts, and grow into a fully qualified Finance business partner.
Key Info:
- This programme is based at our head office in Ashford, Kent
- Placement rotations will be a combination of fully onsite and hybrid working models
- 39hrs a week, Monday – Friday
- Some travel required (includes graduate workshops, Finance or business events)
What you’ll need to succeed:
- A minimum of a 2:1 or above Bachelors degree (or equivalent)
- Right to work in the UK beyond a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in Finance
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
- Strong attention to detail and numerical proficiency
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment & independently
- Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn
- Initiative and a growth mindset
If you’re interested in joining us – apply now! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and if you meet our entry criteria you’ll be asked to complete a short online assessment. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a strengths‑based video interview. If successful at this stage, the final step will be an invite to join us onsite for an interview/assessment exercise. Support and guidance will be provided throughout the process and further information to help you learn more about Sysco GB can be found.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Support to undertake your CIMA Professional qualification
- Pension + life assurance
- Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products
- Cashback/discount platform
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Volunteering hours
At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco GB and we recognise that Sysco GB can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.
Finance Graduate in Ashford employer: Fresh Direct
Contact Detail:
Fresh Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Graduate in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at networking events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a spot in the Finance Graduate Programme.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that video interview! Research common strengths-based questions and practice your responses. We want to see your personality shine through, so be authentic and show us why you're passionate about finance.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you've tackled problems in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your thought process and how you turned numbers into insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining Sysco and being part of our mission to connect the world through food.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Graduate in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for finance and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Finance Graduate Programme. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and get to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your message better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Direct
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge before the interview. Understand key concepts like pricing strategies, inflation impacts, and supplier reconciliations. This will show that you’re not just interested in finance but also understand how it applies to real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially those involving data analysis or teamwork. Sysco values sharp minds and problem-solvers, so demonstrating your analytical abilities will set you apart.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the Finance Graduate Programme and express your enthusiasm for learning from industry experts. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Sysco is looking for candidates who are adaptable and eager to learn. Share experiences where you’ve had to adjust to new situations or learn quickly. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a fast-moving, data-driven environment.