Finance Student Placement (Fixed Term Opportunity)

If you are expected to achieve at least a 2:1 in a finance related degree and would like to enhance your employability through relevant work experience, an industrial placement with the National Physical Laboratory gives you the opportunity to provide hands‑on support to our excellent team of finance professionals. This fixed term opportunity offers experience in management information reporting, supporting the growth of future business and transactional activities, providing a varied yet thorough introduction to the finance function.

We have apprentices, students, scientists, and professional staff all working towards a common goal. This, coupled with many societies, allows for interactions with a diverse workforce and supports transition from university to working life. The estimated start date for this position is 1st July 2026, estimated end date 14th August 2027.

Our finance team support the business by giving advice and guidance on financial queries, managing performance and processing essential transactions to our customers and suppliers. As you gain experience, you will take on greater responsibility, including ad‑hoc projects. The placement is an excellent way to apply your theoretical knowledge and develop within the role.

You’ll be able to develop highly sought‑after technical skills by working with Excel spreadsheets and the MS Dynamics 365 system, Salesforce and Power BI. There is also an opportunity to attend NPL training courses such as using Excel, communicating effectively, presentation skills and time management. By the end of the year, you will have gained a wealth of experience, giving you the confidence to pursue your finance career.

You’ll be a well‑organised, driven, and ambitious individual with effective communication skills and the ability to think and work flexibly. You’ll also be passionate about working in a collaborative team environment. To succeed in the role during your placement you will need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills, as well as excellent problem‑solving skills.

This opportunity is based in the ‘Financial Planning and Analysis’ team, you will work closely with the Head of Financial Strategy and Planning, as well as the Commercial and Management Accounting teams and have the opportunity to get involved in many different areas of Finance.

What you’ll be doing:

• Financial reporting, data analysis and manipulation
• Using Finance Systems
• Develop your Microsoft Excel skills (training will be provided)
• Providing guidance and support on various queries to both scientists and individuals external to the company

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.