At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance Graduate Scheme and gain hands-on experience across various finance roles.
- Company: Be part of National Grid, a leader in the UK energy network driving a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and tailored development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and travel opportunities across the UK.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with mentorship and real impact on the energy sector.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline; no prior finance experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 36640 - 36640 £ per year.
About us
National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we\'ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we\'re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.
But it\'s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it\'s no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.
About The Role
We are looking to find our future Finance leaders! On the Finance Graduate Scheme you will undertake three 12-month placements with the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of roles across different Finance teams.
After your first year with us, you\'ll have the opportunity to move placement for your second and third years where you will gain experience relevant to achieving your career aspirations. Alongside your placements, National Grid will support you to study towards a professional qualification (either CIMA or ACCA) which will be delivered through an external training provider as part of a Level 7 Apprenticeship.
Some of the teams that you may be work in will include:
Transactional / General Accounting teams - This placement is designed to develop your fundamental finance knowledge and technical skills. You\'ll come to understand National Grid\'s finance systems whilst completing transactional level accounting, posting journals and managing cost centres.
Central Finance Teams - These placements aim to give you a broader understanding of National Grid, either at a UK level or National Grid Group Level and focus on consolidation and messaging. This could include Financial Planning & Analysis, Regulatory Reporting, Group Management Reporting or Treasury.
Business Partnering - A business partner role focuses on providing insight and being a trusted advisor to the teams you support. Each business partnering placement is different, but they all offer the opportunity to develop your stakeholder management, stakeholder engagement, communication, and messaging skills.
Other Placements - In addition to the placements above, there is also the opportunity to complete placements in Tax, Internal Audit, and Project Teams (when available).
Our Graduate Programme
As you\'ll be joining our 36-month graduate programme, you\'ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You\'ll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We\'re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you\'ll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.
All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to our finance pathway, you\'ll complete three 1-year placements during your programme alongside completing a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Level 7 degree apprenticeship. You\'ll also be able to further develop your commerciality skills and gain insight of engineering and electricity to increase your awareness of our business and industry.
We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you\'ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.
What you\'ll need to apply
You’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in any degree discipline. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. You don’t need prior experience or a finance-based degree; we will teach you everything you need to know to develop into a future Finance leader.
This role is based in National Grid House in Warwick and offers flexible hybrid working, where possible. You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations as required.
What You’ll Get In Return
We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640
Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:
- £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
- 26 days holiday
- £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
- Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
- Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.
More Information
You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.
We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.
Assessment centres will be held between November - April 2026
National Grid\'s Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
Please be aware that it\'s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we\'re not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
At National Grid, it\'s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.
#Graduateopportunities2026
2026 Accounting and Finance Graduate in Warwick employer: National Grid
National Grid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Warwick, where you can kickstart your career in finance. With a tailored graduate programme that includes three diverse placements, mentorship opportunities, and support for professional qualifications, we are committed to your personal and professional growth. Our inclusive culture values diversity and provides flexible working arrangements, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Accounting and Finance Graduate in Warwick
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like National Grid. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Accounting and Finance Graduate in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to National Grid.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on National Grid's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with National Grid.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at National Grid will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former National Grid employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
