What is NATS?
NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle 2.5 million flights and keep 300 million passengers safe whilst in UK airspace. We provide air traffic management (ATM) services to 15 airports in the UK as well as providing these services around the world spanning Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.
We’re shaping the future of ATM through our focus on ‘advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe’ and believe that the size and diversity of our business makes us an exciting choice for undergraduates considering their future careers.
What will the Finance Graduate Scheme involve?
This three-year programme will give you experience across a range of finance disciplines through structured rotations. You’ll apply what you learn in a live business environment while working towards a fully funded CIMA professional accountancy qualification.
From day one, you’ll work as part of a team of finance professionals, with coaching, guidance and access to mentoring. You’ll also have opportunities to learn from senior finance leaders.
The role will be based at our Head Office in Whiteley, Hampshire. We operate an agile working model, with colleagues spending regular time in the office and some flexibility to work remotely where business needs allow.
During the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience in:
Transactional accounting – supporting core finance processes, including payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable
Financial accounting and reporting – supporting financial statement production, audit activity and group accounting policies
Management accounting – analysing business performance and providing insight
Business planning and forecasting – supporting budgeting, planning and forecasting
Treasury – learning how the company is funded and manages its financial resources
Finance business partnering – using analysis to provide insight and challenge to business areas, helping them improve performance and support corporate objectives
These rotations will help you develop your technical knowledge and commercial judgement while seeing how accountancy works across a business.
Why choose NATS?
You’ll be working at the heart of our organisation alongside other apprentices, graduates and experienced professionals. You’ll gain valuable insight into our business while making a tangible contribution to our success.
Your graduate scheme experience will help you build your knowledge and develop practical finance skills. We’re committed to your personal and professional development through practical experience, CIMA study support, mentoring and skills training as part of our early careers programme.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who are ready to embrace the challenging targets we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. One thing is clear: we can only achieve these targets through our people. We’ll be leading the way technically, operationally, commercially and politically, and you can help us shape the future.
You’ll need to have achieved a minimum 2:2 in a degree in any discipline within the last two years, or be on track to graduate in 2027.
We’d like to hear what interests you about finance, whether that interest comes from your studies or other experiences.
To be eligible to apply, you must have indefinite, unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot consider candidates whose right to work is time-limited or dependent on visa sponsorship.
You must be able to obtain Security Clearance (SC Level). Additional SC guidance can be found here.
Additional vacancy information
Assessment centres will be held between 30 November and 11 December 2026.
The start date for the scheme is 6 September 2027.
NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
What’s in it for you?
• Competitive salary – £31,000 per annum
• 28 days of holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays
• Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme
• Fully funded CIMA professional accountancy qualification
Towards the end of your scheme, you will complete an End of Scheme Board to assess your growth and development across the programme. Subject to successful completion of the scheme, individual performance and business requirements, there may be an opportunity for you to transition into a substantive role within your chosen area.
For more information on the benefits we offer, please visit: https://www.nats.aero/careers/early-careers/.
Diversity and Inclusion at NATS
We celebrate the diversity of our colleagues. We thrive because we are all brilliantly different yet united in our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe. For more information on our commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.nats.aero/careers/why-nats/.
If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.
We want you to be able to perform at your best, so please email earlycareers@nats.co.uk if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments.
Finance Graduate Scheme employer: NATS
NATS is an exceptional employer for aspiring Air Traffic Controllers, offering industry-leading training and a supportive work culture that values diversity and teamwork. With a starting salary of £34,261 and opportunities for significant salary growth post-training, employees can build a rewarding long-term career while contributing to the safety and efficiency of air travel across the UK. Our commitment to employee development and a welcoming environment makes NATS a fantastic place to start your aviation journey.
