GRAHAM Academy - Financial Placement Student

Accountancy, Finance, Business, Economics.

Job Summary

As GRAHAM continues to grow, we are offering an exciting opportunity for a finance placement student to join our Group Finance team. This role provides hands-on experience across a wide range of financial activities while offering exposure to senior finance leaders, business operations and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will gain valuable practical experience, develop professional skills and build a strong foundation for a future career in finance or accountancy.

GRAHAM Academy

Turn your interest in our exciting industry into a fantastic career opportunity with GRAHAM.

You will work closely with, and report to, the Financial Accountant, gaining exposure to a wide range of financial activities that support the strategic and operational goals of the business.

This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain a broader understanding of how finance interacts with the wider business, while building confidence in communication, teamwork and problem-solving. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to finance improvement initiatives and gain experience working across multiple business units within a large and diverse organisation.

We're looking for someone who is proactive, eager to learn and ready to take on new challenges. If you're passionate about finance and want to make the most of your placement year in a company that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Description

The Placement Student shall:

Carry out purchase ledger duties, including processing supplier invoices and assisting with payment runs.
Carry out sales ledger duties, including raising and issuing customer invoices and supporting the management of aged debt.
Liaise with suppliers and customers, reconciling supplier statements and resolving queries.
Monitor bank and credit card accounts, processing transactions and performing reconciliations.
Assist with the monthly reconciliation of group intercompany balances.
Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts.
Assist with the preparation of annual statutory accounts.
Support the preparation of financial reports and analysis for management.
Assist with finance improvement initiatives, process reviews and ad hoc projects as required.
Gain exposure to financial systems, reporting tools and business processes across multiple business units.
Maintain and organise finance records, documents and SharePoint folders.
Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Financial Accountant.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the Placement Student and the range of duties to be undertaken.

It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Requirements:

Technical Competencies

Essential

Highly organised and efficient
Strong analytical and numerical skills
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Good interpersonal skills
Professional and courteous approach to internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrates initiative and a willingness to learn
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Enthusiastic team player with a positive attitude

Desirable but not essential

Studying towards a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
Previous finance, administration or office-based work experience
Knowledge of, or interest in, the construction and engineering industry
Experience using SharePoint or other Microsoft 365 applications
Experience working with data and reporting

Behavioural Competencies

Essential:

Effective Communication: Able to communicate clearly and professionally, adapting style to suit different audiences. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Problem Solving: Demonstrates a logical and analytical approach when addressing issues. Considers available information and seeks appropriate solutions when challenges arise.
Planning and Prioritising: Organises workload effectively, manages competing priorities and works towards agreed objectives. Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Adaptability: Demonstrates a willingness to learn, embraces new challenges and remains flexible when priorities change.
Initiative: Shows enthusiasm and a proactive approach to tasks and responsibilities. Takes ownership of work and seeks opportunities to contribute and develop.

The Recruitment Process:

The closing date for applications will be January 2027
Interviews will commence in February 2027.
Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.
All successful applicants will have joined the business by September 2027, if not before.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Placements

Our industrial placements can last from 3-12 months, dependent on your college/university curriculum. On your placement you will be given the support, guidance and experience which will lay the foundations for a great future in a Construction career. Show us what you can do and your placement could lead to a company scholarship award and an offer of employment when you graduate.