At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our 3-year Graduate Rotational Program to gain essential finance skills and hands-on experience.
- Company: JD Sports is a leading FTSE 100 global retailer, dedicated to employee success and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, staff discounts, subsidised canteen, gym memberships, and access to counselling services.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with mentorship, community socials, and a clear path for progression.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2.1 Degree, 120 UCAS points, and GCSE Maths & English (Grade C or 4) required.
- Other info: Applications open from 22nd April to 5th May; ensure you're available for all recruitment stages.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We know our employees work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits:
- Free on-site parking at the Head Office
- Subsidised Head Office canteen
- Staff Discount on qualifying purchases across Group retail stores (JD Sports, Size?, Foot Patrol, Blacks, Millets, Go Outdoors) and online
- Discounted Gym membership
- Access to counselling services, digital health and well-being advice through our benefits platform (TELUS Health)
- Wide range of internal development courses to support personal and professional development throughout your career journey with the Group
- Access to apprenticeships & accredited qualifications - Earn while you learn and gain nationally-recognised qualifications (England only)
- Access to colleague networks, to share lived experiences and support initiatives that drive positive change
- Opportunities to volunteer and contribute to our charity, JD Foundation
- Employer engagement forums to help influence positive change
Kickstart Your Finance Career with JD Group! Join our 3-year Graduate Rotational Program and gain essential finance skills with a FTSE 100 global retailer. You’ll build a strong foundation, work towards professional qualifications, and gain hands-on experience across diverse finance functions. From Financial Reporting to Commercial Finance, we’ll support your growth every step of the way. You will be based at our headquarters in Bury, operating from our newly refurbished and modernized finance office.
Role Details:
- Location: Bury (BL9 8RR)
- Working Hours: Monday – Friday 40 hours per week
- Contract Type: 3 years FTC
Graduate-Specific Benefits:
- You’ll receive funding support to pursue professional qualifications such as CIMA, ACCA, or ACA, alongside hands-on experience
- Exciting socials to form a community with other graduates
- Area-specific training arranged by the Line Manager
- Enrolment in our JD Aspire programme for upskilling and development
- A mentor to support you throughout the programme
- Ongoing support and feedback sessions
- Invaluable exposure is usually gained through years of experience
- Career progression - our graduate programme is designed to set you up for success, with a clear path to applying for open applications within our group at the end of your fixed term contract
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Year 1: Financial Reporting – Develop key accounting skills like accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis while working with stock invoicing and cash transactions.
- Year 2: Explore from the below:
- Group Finance: Support the group consolidation process and assist with the preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts for the Plc
- Tax: Understand the Group Tax structure, and monthly reporting requirements for both direct and indirect tax, develop an understanding of tax rates across group territories
- FP&A: Learn the ropes of group-wide forecasting, budgeting, and data-driven management reporting.
- Internal Controls: Develop an understanding of the role Internal Controls play in safeguarding the business.
What We’re Looking For:
- Minimum 2.1 Degree, 120 UCAS points (new ratings), and GCSE Maths & English (Grade C or 4)
- A passion for developing a career within finance
- Commitment to earning a professional qualification alongside the graduate programme
- Currently on track to graduate in 2025 or have graduated within the past two years
What to Expect from the Recruitment Process:
We believe in providing a clear and transparent recruitment experience. Below is an outline of the key stages and dates to help you prepare:
- Applications Open: Tuesday 22nd April – Monday 5th May
- Further Information Questionnaire: To be completed between Tuesday 6th May – Tuesday 13th May
- Online Assessments (Numerical, Verbal & Inductive Reasoning): Invitations sent to successful applicants to be completed between Friday 23rd May – Monday 2nd June
- Pre-Screening Calls with the Talent Team: Scheduled between Monday 9th June – Friday 20th June
- Assessment Centre: Held on Monday 30th June
Please ensure you’re available for each stage, as this will form an important part of the overall selection process.
Please note that this role requires candidates to have the right to work in the UK and would not meet the qualifying criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Finance Graduate employer: JD GROUP
Contact Detail:
JD GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Research JD Sports and its finance operations thoroughly. Understanding the company's values, culture, and recent financial news will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of JD Sports, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific skills that are highly regarded, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the online assessments by practising numerical, verbal, and inductive reasoning tests. There are many free resources available online that can help you get familiar with the types of questions you might encounter.
✨Tip Number 4
During the pre-screening calls, be ready to discuss your passion for finance and your commitment to pursuing professional qualifications. Highlight any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your dedication and readiness for the graduate programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant finance skills and experiences. Focus on any coursework, projects, or internships that relate to financial reporting, budgeting, or analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for finance and why you want to join JD Sports specifically. Mention how the graduate programme aligns with your career goals and what you can bring to the team.
Highlight Academic Achievements: Clearly state your academic qualifications, including your degree classification and any relevant modules. If you have achieved high grades in subjects related to finance, make sure to mention them.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Familiarise yourself with the types of online assessments you will face, such as numerical and verbal reasoning tests. Practice these skills in advance to boost your confidence and performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at JD GROUP
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about JD Sports and its values. Understanding their mission and recent developments will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
As a Finance Graduate, expect questions related to financial concepts and accounting principles. Brush up on key topics like accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for building a career in finance. Share specific examples of what excites you about the field and how you plan to pursue professional qualifications alongside the graduate programme.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the graduate programme and the company's culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if JD Sports is the right fit for you.