At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance teams with analysis, forecasting, and reporting while building relationships.
- Company: Join Sainsbury's, a leading retailer with a commitment to growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Paid study leave, mentorship, and access to top consulting guidance.
- Other info: Dynamic three-year rotational programme with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience and professional qualification support.
- Qualifications: Final year students or graduates in Finance, Accounting, or related fields welcome.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Overview
During the three-year rotational programme, your role will involve supporting specific business areas and the wider Finance team by:
Responsibilities
- Interpreting financial information to provide insight, analysis and commentary to stakeholders
- Work with the business to produce forecasts including monthly reforecasts and budgeting in line with FP&A processes
- Complete ad hoc / bespoke analysis and reporting for the business area as required to drive improvements
- Involvement in the annual financial cycle e.g. period-end processes, year-end results, financial planning and forecasting
- Support roadshows and meetings by preparing presentations and analysis for investors
- Build business partnering relationships with multiple stakeholders, support, challenge and influence where required
- Learn, understand and adhere to robust financial controls
- Work alongside relevant third parties to ensure processes are executed successfully
- Be able to effectively communicate complex financial or accounting processes to a non finance business stakeholder.
- Prepare and post accounting journals accurately and in a timely manner
- Work with external auditors to fulfil audit requests at key points of our external reporting cycle, e.g. Interims.
- Access to technical guidance from Big Four consulting and audit teams where necessary
- Support through your professional accounting qualification studies, including paid study leave and the practical experience you\'ll need
- Graduate mentor to support you throughout the programme
Qualifications
- You are a self-motivated individual who can plan and prioritise workloads, adhering to strict deadlines.
- You have the ability to work effectively within a team, whilst working without direct supervision.
- You are an effective communicator who can work collaboratively and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
- We welcome applications from final year students and graduates who are working towards or have completed a degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field).
- A natural curiosity and understanding of the macro-economic environment.
- A desire to study for an accountancy qualification and shows a growth mindset approach to learning new skills and behaviours
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); advanced Excel modelling skills are an advantage
- Strong presentation skills with an aptitude for turning data into analysis and insight through storytelling
Sainsbury\'s - Finance FastStart 2026 Graduate Programme in City of Westminster employer: Sainsbury’s Group
Sainsbury's offers an exceptional work environment for graduates through its Finance FastStart 2026 Graduate Programme, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in finance while working alongside industry experts. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from paid study leave for accountancy qualifications and mentorship throughout the programme, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Located in a dynamic retail setting, Sainsbury's promotes a supportive atmosphere where innovative ideas are encouraged, making it an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sainsbury\'s - Finance FastStart 2026 Graduate Programme in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees of Sainsbury's on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the Finance FastStart programme. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss how you can interpret financial information and provide insights. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your analytical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your presentation skills! Since you'll need to prepare presentations for stakeholders, create a mock presentation based on a financial topic. This will not only help you practise but also demonstrate your ability to turn data into compelling stories during interviews.
✨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 you're serious about joining the team. Make sure to highlight your teamwork and communication skills in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sainsbury\'s - Finance FastStart 2026 Graduate Programme in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance FastStart programme. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships that showcase your financial acumen and analytical skills.
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 how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. Whether it's through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, clarity and conciseness are crucial.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches the right people and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury’s Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key financial concepts and terminology. Be prepared to discuss how you interpret financial information and provide insights. This will show your understanding of the role and impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've conducted analysis or forecasting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively communicate complex financial processes to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining a financial concept in simple terms, as this is crucial for the role. It shows that you can bridge the gap between finance and other business areas.
✨Master Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be preparing presentations for investors and stakeholders, practice your storytelling skills. Create a mock presentation using data analysis and rehearse it. This will not only boost your confidence but also showcase your ability to turn data into compelling insights.
