Sainsbury's - Finance FastStart 2026 Graduate Programme

Why join us

Joining Sainsbury's Finance team offers an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience while studying towards a professional accountancy qualification. As you rotate between our Commercial, Group, and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) teams, you'll develop a well-rounded skillset and gain diverse experiences that will shape you into a successful finance professional. We value curiosity, self-motivation, and collaboration, and provide the necessary support and mentorship as you embark on a rewarding career with us.

What you'll do

During the three-year rotational programme, your role will involve supporting specific business areas and the wider Finance team by:

• 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.

Who you are:

• A natural curiosity and understanding of the macro-economic environment.
• 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

Essential Criteria:

• 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 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 an advantage
• Strong presentation skills with an aptitude for turning data into analysis and insight through storytelling

Support we will provide:

• 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

What else you need to know:

• The closing date for applications is Monday 29th September 2025.
• If shortlisted, you'll need to pass each stage, starting with a numerical and verbal reasoning test. The next stage you'll move on to impress us in a recruiter interview. The final stage is our dynamic assessment centre, where you'll demonstrate your skills in various tasks.
• Assessment centres will be taking place on Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th November 2025 and the programme begins September 2026.