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- Tasks: Join our Finance Graduate Programme and gain hands-on experience across various finance areas.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, joining bonus, pension contributions, and flexible leave options.
- Why this job: Become a Chartered Accountant while making a real impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with strong numerical skills; finance background not essential.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career progression and mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 35500 £ per year.
Overview
Finance – Graduate Programme 2026
Finance Graduates at MBDA work in three annual placements to gain knowledge and experience in various areas of Finance, working with colleagues across the business nationally and internationally. At the end of the three years, you will have achieved the ultimate reward of becoming a Chartered Accountant while having gained experiences including (but not limited to) reporting, budget and business plan preparation, and financial management of contracts.
Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025
What we can offer you
- 3 year Programme: starting September 2026
- Salary reviews throughout the Programme
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Excellent career progression and development opportunities
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity
Our vision in Finance is to operate as one coordinated team, which strives to deliver a consistent application of standard methodology, financial controls and processes. We look to challenge all areas of the business, improve shareholder value, protect the assets of MBDA and ensure we align with all national and shareholder requirements.
Finance Graduates work in three one-year placements to gain knowledge and experience in various areas of Finance, working with colleagues across the business, both nationally and internationally. This includes the potential opportunity to complete one of these placements with either our Manufacturing Finance team in Bolton or our Projects or Cost Base Finance teams in Bristol with a compensated relocation package to support the year at another site to Stevenage.
Potential placements could be available in the following areas:
- Accounting and Planning – preparation of company level financial plans and reports for senior management and other stakeholders
- Programmes Finance – working as a business partner within multi-functional teams, focused on contract delivery and execution
- Cost Control – control of functional budgets, including Information Management and Facilities, and recovery of the cost base through hourly rates
- Bids and Contract Evaluation – support the creation of robust, profitable financial proposals to customers for our products and services
Alongside your role, you\’ll study for the CIMA/ACA Professional Qualification, which we fully fund as well as providing additional leave for study and exams. Training courses on offer provide learning opportunities for soft skills and deeper understanding of the organisation to support you in your career development. Support and mentorship will be provided by experienced Finance team members, as well as fellow finance graduates, a buddy and a mentor, who will all ensure you get the most from the programme.
At the end of the three years upon exam and end point assessment completion, you will have become a Chartered Global Management Accountant or Associate Chartered Accountant through the completion of the Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship.
Working in the Finance function provides the opportunity to develop as a business partner, supporting the business in value creation, sharing of standard methodology, and delivering as one team across cultures and national boundaries.
What we\’re looking for from you
- Degree qualified in any subject (minimum 2.2)
- Accounting, Finance or Business qualifications are not essential, but it is important that you demonstrate a general interest in Finance and strong numerical skills.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given.
MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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Finance - Graduate Programme 2026 employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance - Graduate Programme 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former MBDA employees on LinkedIn. 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 your interviews by brushing up on your finance knowledge and understanding MBDA's role in the defence sector. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the company and the work we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your soft skills! Communication and teamwork are key in finance roles. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the job.
✨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 the MBDA family.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance - Graduate Programme 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Finance: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for finance shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in the field. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to grow and learn with us.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the Finance Graduate Programme. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do at MBDA!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as it reflects the skills we value in our finance team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge and numerical skills. Be prepared to discuss basic financial concepts, budgeting, and reporting. This will show your genuine interest in finance and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Research MBDA
Dive deep into MBDA's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their role in defence and how finance supports their operations will give you an edge. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Placement Questions
Since the programme involves three placements, think about what you want to learn from each area. Prepare questions that demonstrate your eagerness to gain diverse experiences and how you can add value in each placement.
✨Showcase Soft Skills
Finance isn't just about numbers; it's also about teamwork and communication. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively or solved problems in a team setting. This will highlight your potential as a business partner within MBDA.