An exciting pathway within the National Graduate Development Programme designed for graduates who aspire to make a meaningful impact on their communities through the world of public finance.
Welcome to the NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme, an exciting pathway within the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) designed for graduates who aspire to make a meaningful impact on their communities through the world of public finance. If you're passionate about finance and your local community's well-being, you're in the right place. Applications are open until Wednesday 3 January 2024.
The NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme is a specialised stream within the National Graduate Development Program (NGDP) designed for graduates who want to pursue a career in public finance. It offers a unique and tailored development pathway into local government and other public services for aspiring finance professionals.
The four-year programme is geared towards developing graduates with a passion for finance and communities into future local government and public sector leaders, helping them gain practical work experience while studying for the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship, which includes The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy’s Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA PAQ), which is the key qualification for anyone pursuing a career in public finance management.
Working across a participating organisation, you’ll build up experience in all the important areas of public sector finance, including financial systems, budget preparation and monitoring, payroll, pensions, treasury, internal audit and accounting.
With communities facing numerous challenges– whether it be climate change, housing, public health or the cost-of-living crisis – it can seem insurmountable at times for individuals who want to make a difference. But these issues are at the core of local councils’ work. Councils combine the passion and expertise of hundreds and thousands of dedicated public servants, working to improve everyday life for people in their communities, now and for the future. If you want to make a measurable, tangible difference, you couldn’t ask for a better place to start.
Salary
Starting salaries vary between £27,000 - £35,000. Your starting salary and benefits package will depend on the participating organisation you are placed with. All benefits packages include generous holiday entitlement, flexible working arrangements, and an excellent pension scheme.
Eligibility
The NGDP welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. Our only requirements are:
a minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree by July 2024
you must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the four-year programme
candidates must have lived in the UK for the last three years
unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Structure of the programme
If you are successful at the interview, you will work as an employee of that participating organisation on a minimum four-year fixed-term contract.
During this time, you will learn different aspects of finance to gain a wide range of experience and skills, alongside completing the CIPFA Level 7 apprenticeship.
Any questions?
Check out our frequently asked questions below if you have any questions. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].
Participating councils
For the 2024 intake, 22 organisations have signed up to take graduate trainees, with the London Borough of Sutton & Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames sharing a graduate. There are a minimum of 46 trainee places expected for the 2024 cohort.
City of London Corporation, Greater London Authority, London Borough of Barnet, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Haringey, London Borough of Havering, London Borough of Hillingdon, London Borough of Islington, London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London Borough of Lambeth, London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Redbridge, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Sutton, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Metropolitan Police Service, Richmond and Wandsworth Council, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Westminster City Council
Differences in the application process (e.g. the numeracy test)
The application process is similar to the NGDP. However, candidates will be expected to take a numeracy test in addition to the situational judgement test.
CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship
All successful trainees will complete the CIPFA Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is for those aspiring to become future public finance leaders and to qualify as a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA). The skills and knowledge you develop as you move through the programme are fundamental to the roles of steward, enabler and innovator, and business partner – performed by finance professionals working across the public and private sectors. You will also learn key leadership skills.
Training is delivered by qualified experts with years of public finance experience. It involves a combination of online and offline learning. This includes face-to-face sessions, which are held in London.
More information about CIPFA and the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship can be found on the CIPFA website.
Frequently asked questions
The NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme is a specialised stream within the National Graduate Development Program (NGDP) designed exclusively for graduates who want to pursue a career in public finance. It offers a unique and tailored development pathway into local government and other public services for aspiring finance professionals.
The Finance Graduate Scheme is a dedicated track within NGDP that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge specific to finance roles. While the NGDP program provides a broad foundation for public service, the Finance Graduate Scheme delves deeper into the financial sector.
Specialised Finance Focus: You will receive targeted training and exposure to the finance industry and every aspect of public finance while studying towards a CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship, including the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification.
Diverse Experience: You'll rotate through various finance departments, gaining a holistic understanding of financial operations.
Mentorship: Access to experienced finance professionals who will guide your career development.
Networking: Opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and build a strong professional network.
Competitive Salary: A competitive salary and benefits package is provided.
The CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship is a comprehensive program that includes the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy’s Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA PAQ), a crucial qualification for those seeking a career in public finance management. The program covers various areas such as strategic planning, procurement and commissioning, and implementation of new delivery models. Experienced public finance experts facilitate the training, and it involves both online and offline learning methods, including face-to-face sessions. For more information about CIPFA and the Level 7 Apprenticeship, please visit the CIPFA website.
Yes, you can apply. We will consider applications from anyone who has or is expecting a 2:2 or above in any degree subject. You must also have GCSE Maths and English (Level 4 or above) or equivalent.
You will have the opportunity to work in various finance roles such as financial analysis, investment management, budgeting, and financial planning within local government or related organisations.
The programme typically spans at least four years, during which you will undertake rotations and receive training tailored to finance roles.
Upon successfully completing the programme, you will be in a strong position to move on to a team leader role within your organisation. Trainees on a previous scheme have also found roles within participating organisations or the wider public sector, such as the civil service or NHS.
The application process is similar to the NGDP. You can find detailed information on the application process, including deadlines and requirements, on our website or in the official recruitment materials.
Yes, we encourage continuous learning and professional development. There may be opportunities for further education or additional certifications to enhance your finance expertise.
For more details and to apply for the Finance Graduate Scheme within NGDP, please contact our dedicated recruitment team at [email protected]. We are here to support you throughout the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Your employer covers the cost of your training throughout the training period.
Starting salaries vary between £27,000 - £35,000. Your starting salary and benefits package will depend on the participating organisation you are placed with. All benefits packages include generous holiday entitlement, flexible working arrangements, and an excellent pension scheme.
Yes, we do accept applications from non-UK citizens, but when you apply, you must be able to prove your eligibility to work in the UK for the duration of the programme. We also need candidates to have lived in the UK for the last three years.
The Graduate Visa (available from July 2021) and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa do not meet the NGDP's criteria to cover the full programme. Therefore, we cannot accept either of these as proof of the right to work. Please note we do not sponsor candidates under the "New Entrant" category.
The guidance and rules about working in the UK can change at short notice, therefore, we recommend you review the UK government guidance regularly as if it changes it may mean we are unable to admit you to the programme.
Candidates must have lived in the UK for at least three years before joining the graduate scheme. However, exceptions can be made for individuals who have undertaken some of their studies abroad as part of their educational program within those three years.
Our 2024 graduate opportunities will open for applications on 4 October 2023.
If successful, you will be employed by one of the participating organisations on a four-year fixed-term contract. You will be asked for your top 3 preferences within the application form. If you are successful at the interview stage, you will receive a conditional offer from the organisation, which will be subject to passing pre-employment checks. We expect offers to be confirmed by June/July, and your start date with the organisation will be arranged for autumn 2024.
Most of the organisations are looking for candidates to start in July-September 2024.