Location: Dudley, Northumberland, UK
Department: Finance
Reference: VN1371
Summary of the Group Finance & Administration (Placement Student) role
As the Group Finance & Administration (Placement Student) you will gain:
- Practical experience in group finance function within a manufacturing setting.
- Insight into how financial decisions impact production, supply chain, and operations.
- Development of professional skills in reporting, analysis, and administration.
- Mentoring from experienced finance and management professionals.
- A strong foundation for future roles in finance, accounting, or business operations.
Based at our site in Cramlington you will work a shift pattern of Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.35pm based on site. This is for a temporary, 12-month basis.
Reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller, this role offers hands‑on experience to support the group finance team in maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, policies and procedures. You will contribute to business reporting and develop your technical skills via exposure to real‑world business operations.
Your Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements.
- Support the month end and year end closing processes.
- Maintain general ledger accounts and post journal entries.
- Perform reconciliations (balance sheet, intercompany).
- Process accruals, prepayments and adjustments.
- Support accounts payable and receivable processes as required.
- Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.
- Assist with CAPEX accounting and maintenance of asset registers.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards (UK GAAP).
- Support external audit or tax processes by providing documentation and explanations.
- Assist in implementing and maintaining financial controls.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly cashflow reports.
- Prepare routine financial reports and analysis for management.
- Investigate discrepancies and provide explanations.
- Support senior finance team members with projects and process improvements.Support in review of master data within ERP system.
- Contribute to process documentation and system improvements.
- Embody our company values: be reliable, be caring, be transparent and be willing.
Requirements For The Role
- Currently studying a degree in Finance, Accounting,
- Good attention to detail and accuracy.
- Willingness to learn, ask questions, and work collaboratively.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
- Competent with Microsoft Office including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
- Excellent customer service and a good telephone manner.
How You Will Be Rewarded
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including bonus, pension scheme, private healthcare, Engagement Hub, cycle to work scheme, death in service coverage, on‑site health and wellbeing support including medical consultations and physiotherapy, 24/7 employee assistance programme, employee referral scheme, sports and social club as well as opportunity for training and further career development.
Why consider Sterling?
Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complemented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research, development and clinical manufacturing services.
We are a fast growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK, US and Europe, where we employ talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients.
Our culture and our way of working is what really sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first‑class science and service to our customers every day.
How To Apply
If you have the necessary skills and experience to join our team, please apply online. For any queries or should you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact recruitment@sterlingpsl.com
Sterling Pharma Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Deadline for applications: 19 Jun 2026
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance & Administration Placement Student in Dudley
✨Tap into University Career Services
Your university’s career services are a goldmine for placements in banking and financial services. They often have direct connections with top firms and can help you land internships like the one at Sterling Pharma Solutions. Don’t miss out on career fairs and employer presentations – make the most of these opportunities!
✨Get Involved with Finance Societies
Join or become active in finance and investment societies at your uni. These societies often host networking events and workshops that can connect us with potential employers. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable insights and skills while meeting like-minded peers!
✨Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye out for finance-related events and conferences in your area, especially as they’re great spots to meet professionals in the industry. Look for events that specifically focus on banking or investment, as they often lead to placement opportunities, including roles at Sterling Pharma Solutions.
✨Tailor Your Networking Approach
When you’re networking, be genuine and specific about your interests in banking. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice. If you’re targeting a placement at Sterling Pharma Solutions, mentioning it during chats can set you apart and show your enthusiasm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Academic Achievements:In the banking and financial services sector, your grades can really make a difference. Make sure to include your latest academic results and any relevant coursework, especially if you’ve studied finance, economics, or related fields. We love seeing strong performance in quantitative subjects!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Even though this is a placement, having some experience—like internships, part-time jobs, or university finance clubs—can set you apart. Talk about any finance-related projects or roles you've held, and quantify your achievements where possible. Think of tangible skills you gained that are applicable to the role!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. When crafting your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically for the role at Sterling Pharma Solutions. Highlight skills like analytical thinking, attention to detail, and any software proficiency—like Excel or financial modelling tools—that could be relevant. We want to see that you’re ready to jump right in!
Craft a Convincing Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your motivation for pursuing a placement in banking and financial services at Sterling Pharma Solutions. It’s a great chance to show your passion for finance and your eagerness to learn from industry professionals. Share why you think this setting is perfect for your personal and professional growth!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sterling Pharma Solutions
✨Mastering Financial Fundamentals
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services sector, brush up on the basics like financial ratios, market trends, and key economic indicators. Be ready to tackle questions that test your understanding of these concepts — they might even throw in a case study for you to solve on the spot!
✨Polish Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are crucial in banking, so prepare to demonstrate yours. You could be given hypothetical scenarios involving data sets or client portfolios during the interview. Practise walking through your thought process clearly — showing how you approach problems will impress the interviewers at Sterling Pharma Solutions.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As this is a placement, they will want to see your eagerness to learn and grow in the industry. Share examples from your studies or any projects where you showcased your ability to pick up new skills quickly. This will show that you're adaptable and ready to tackle real-world challenges.
✨Showcase Your Passion for the Industry
Let your enthusiasm for banking and financial services shine through! Discuss recent news, trends, or developments that excites you, especially those relevant to Sterling Pharma Solutions. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also your genuine interest in the role and company culture.
