At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to support accounting, financial planning, and compliance activities.
- Company: Global biopharmaceutical leader with a commitment to innovation and improving lives.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, pursue professional qualifications, and enjoy a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for permanent roles and career growth after the programme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career in a dynamic setting while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a degree in Maths, Economics, or Business-related discipline.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
This role will be based in our modern state‑of‑the‑art co‑working facilities in Moorgate, London. This site, at the heart of London provides fantastic amenities, support services and collaborative workspaces with convenient transport links. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader committed to enhancing the lives of individuals through a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology treatments, life‑saving vaccines, and animal health products. Our unwavering dedication to delivering innovative solutions is the driving force behind everything we do.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a position on the UK Finance team for an entry level Finance/Accounting graduate. This is an exciting role for someone that has an ambition to accelerate their career while completing their Accountancy qualifications. The role forms part of a UK Finance team with responsibility for Financial Planning, Accounting, Tax and Compliance. There are multiple entities within the scope of this team in addition to Human Health and Animal Health Commercial divisions. Our Finance team brings together our financial perspectives into our overall strategic and tactical decision making. We use state‑of‑the‑art techniques for financial analysis, planning, accounting, reporting and performance evaluation. This allows the organization to continue advancing medical innovation and improve lives.
Where do you start…? 12 months in Accounting to Reporting (AtR) with additional responsibilities in Risk & Assurance / Compliance: You will begin your journey in the Accounting to Reporting function of the our Finance team. You will be supporting across all our divisions (Human Health, Manufacturing Division and Animal Health) to support the quality, accuracy and timeliness of all in‑market accounting activities (e.g., month‑end close, inventory and cost accounting, accruals, balance sheet review, trade relation & contract management, etc.) for all reportable/legal entities. In addition to this you will work with the Risk and Assurance Team on corporate and local policy compliance and internal control frameworks.
- Liaise with Regional / Global Delivery teams and support transactional accounting activities (e.g., period‑end adjustments, Purchase Order / invoice processing, cash application / collection, cash & investment accounting, intercompany, fixed assets, etc.), while ensuring compliance with all quality / control requirements.
- Respond to inquiries from key business stakeholders (e.g., Finance Lead, Regional / Divisional Controller, etc.) regarding financial results and variances.
- Work alongside our team to build awareness on the importance of a strong internal control environment for all reportable/legal entities.
- Work alongside our team on internal and external audits and review any findings. Work with the team to provide recommendations for potential internal control impacts.
What’s next? 12 months in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with additional responsibilities in Tax: You will progress in year 2 with the Human Health Financial Planning & Analysis team where you will be supporting in the preparation of business result reports, financial forecasts and analyses to support the Corporate objectives. Alongside this you will be working closely with the local tax team to support the preparation and review of Direct and Indirect tax returns, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Build an understanding of the UK Human Health commercial organisation.
- Help ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of the month‑end close.
- Monitor, track, and report business performance (sales and expenses) to facilitate decision making and business support.
- Support in the building of the Financial forecast and submission to Regional Finance.
- Sales and sales adjustment calculation and analysis.
- Assist in maintaining an effective internal control environment and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and corporate policies.
- Work with the tax team to support the preparation and review of Direct and Indirect tax returns, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Skills/attributes We Look For:
- Studying towards a degree (or equivalent qualification) in a Maths, Economics or Business‑related discipline, either predicted or gained within the last two years.
- Proficient with all Microsoft productivity applications.
- Able to work effectively in a team environment and possess excellent communication skills.
- Able to work with both in‑site face to face teams and remote teams.
- Have an attention to detail and ability to work with large datasets.
- Be organized and able to manage your time and priorities.
Behaviours We Look For:
- Operates with a high level of integrity, transparency and accountability.
- Comprehends and aligns with our organization’s core values.
- Aligns and fosters a culture of diversity and inclusivity.
- Demonstrates initiative, proactivity and academic curiosity.
- Encourages and boosts their colleagues through teamwork.
- Demonstrates clear and effective communication.
- Demonstrates a desire to learn and improve their performance through feedback.
Other Information Relevant to Contract:
Throughout the contract you will receive guidance and mentoring towards achieving your accounting career goals. You will be expected, and supported, to undertake your professional Finance/Accounting Qualification (CIMA or ACCA) from when you join us, and to come up with a timeline to completion during the contract. Should permanent opportunities arise you will have the opportunity to apply for these and should you be successful continue your career journey.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduates:
We are looking for students based in the UK who complete their undergraduate degree between 2024 and 2026.
Important Note: We do not provide sponsorship for UK work visas during or after the graduate program. To be eligible for the 2‑year program, you must have the right to work in the UK for its entire duration.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Employee Status: Project Temps (Fixed Term)
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): N/A
Job Posting End Date: 04/28/2026
Graduate - Finance & Accounting employer: Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme
Contact Detail:
Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate - Finance & Accounting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or professionals in the finance and accounting field. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their products and services, especially in biopharmaceuticals, so you can show how you align with their mission during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to finance and accounting. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Finance & Accounting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance & Accounting role. Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any experience that aligns with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have put in the effort!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about finance and accounting, and how you align with our values. Keep it concise but engaging – we want to see your personality!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with Microsoft applications and any analytical skills you have. We love candidates who can work with large datasets and have a keen eye for detail, so make sure to highlight these!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge! Be prepared to discuss key financial concepts and metrics relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with terms like cash flow, balance sheets, and financial forecasting, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight any group projects or experiences where you contributed to a common goal, especially in finance or accounting contexts.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, the tools they use for financial analysis, or how they approach compliance and internal controls. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and proactive mindset.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Since this position involves working with large datasets and ensuring accuracy, be ready to discuss how you maintain attention to detail in your work. Share specific examples from your studies or previous roles where your meticulousness made a difference.