Finance Graduate Scheme

Finance, Accountancy, Analytics, Data, Economics.

Shape the future of Britain's railways while building a world-class finance career.

Our 2-year Finance Graduate Scheme gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of finance placements within one of the UK's most vital organisations. You'll develop a deep understanding of how finance drives decision-making across a complex national business while gaining exposure to a variety of finance functions.

Early Careers at Network Rail

What's it like to work at Network Rail? We speak to recent degree apprentices and graduates to find out.

Through rotational placements, real responsibility from day one and structured development opportunities, you'll work towards your Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification while building the skills needed for a successful finance career.

If making an impact matters to you. You matter to us.

What you’ll be doing

Take the opportunity to develop your financial, commercial and analytical skills while gaining exposure across regional finance teams, Shared Services and Group Finance.

You'll contribute to business-critical activities while developing the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in finance. During your placements, you could be:

Preparing financial reports, forecasts and management information
Supporting budgeting, planning and business performance activities
Analysing financial data and providing insights to support decision-making

You'll work alongside experienced finance professionals, gaining exposure to high-profile projects and learning how finance helps shape decisions across a complex national organisation.

Who you are matters

You'll need a minimum of a 2:1 degree in any subject and be committed to developing a career in finance.

We look for curious self-starters with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in finance and data. You should be motivated to learn, confident working with information and keen to develop your commercial understanding. Other qualities we're looking for include:

Strong analytical and numerical skills
Good teamwork and collaboration
Effective communication and relationship-building skills
Strong organisation skills and attention to detail
Personal resilience, adaptability and a willingness to learn

What you’ll get out of it

Over 2 years, you'll complete a series of development programmes to help you understand the wider rail industry whilst building your technical and commercial finance expertise. You'll also gain a fully funded Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, supporting your journey towards ACMA and CGMA status.

Previous graduates have progressed into Finance Business Partner and other specialist finance roles across the organisation. You'll also become part of Ignite, our Graduate and Year in Industry community, with opportunities to attend networking events, development days and connect with early careers colleagues from across Network Rail.