Job Summary
This role is a development opportunity for someone looking to pursue a career in management accounting. The line manager and the rest of the team will provide full training and support. The main responsibilities (and therefore areas of development) are to:
- Support the production of financial reports and analysis for budget holders, highlighting variances against budget and forecast.
- Help with month-end and year-end processes, including preparation of accruals, prepayments and journals.
- Maintain accurate financial records, ensuring data is correctly coded and compliant with financial regulations.
- Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts by gathering, analysing, and presenting relevant financial information.
- Respond to finance related queries from stakeholders, escalating more complex issues where appropriate.
- Provide supporting data and analysis to aid decision making across departments.
- Help to monitor expenditure against budgets, identifying discrepancies and potential cost saving opportunities.
- Communicate with budget holders to ensure accurate recording of income and expenditure.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of improved financial processes and systems.
- Stay up to date with financial policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Provide general support to the Finance Team, including ad-hoc analyses and administrative duties as required.
This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme and offers full time hours (36.5 per week) from October 2026 for 12 months. This role offers hybrid working where you will work on campus and remote. Currently the team has one set office day each week (Monday), and individuals come to campus as and when needed / preferred during the rest of the week.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 6/09/2026
Interview Date: TBC
Start Date: 13/10/2026
End Date: 12/09/2027
Salary: £28,029 per annum
Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?
The role will provide training and support in:
- Practical management accounting skills such as budgeting, forecasting and management of transactions.
- Data and reporting skills, including extraction and interpretation of reports from the finance system.
- Effective communication with budget holders and other stakeholders.
- Internal and external processes and compliance
You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in:
- Safeguarding on our Campuses
- Diversity in the Workplace
- Health and Safety Introduction
- Information Governance and Security
Support Available
Support offered will include:
- Regular meetings with the line manager
- Regular meetings with the immediate team and wider team
- Workplace buddy
- On the job training
- The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
The Benefits
You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including:
- Flexible/hybrid working
- Generous pension
- A holiday allowance of 39 days per year
- Totum Card (student discount)
- Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discounted membership to the university's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centres.
- The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
- All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
- You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities.
- You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills.
- You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’.
About You (Person Specification)
Degree and Attainment
Essential:
- Attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word (including use of spreadsheets for calculations and reporting).
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Willingness to learn new systems, processes, and accounting concepts.
- Flexible approach to tasks and teamworking.
- An interest in developing a career in finance.
Desirable:
- Experience in using a financial system.
- Understanding of Higher Education.
- Working towards or interested in pursuing a recognised accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA, ACCA).
You must have valid right-to-work documents with you for verification if appointed, copies are not accepted. See here for a full list of acceptable documents to confirm your right to work in the UK.
Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements
- To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be nearing completion of your final year at any UK-based university.
- If you are nearing completion of your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
- If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
- You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
- The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity.
- We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
- Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
- At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment. Examples of suitable evidence can be found here. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
- All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.
Application Tips
- Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
- You can use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
- The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
- Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
- You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
Further Guidance and Support
- (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
- (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment through the Career Zone.
- Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
- It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
- If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at [email protected]
The Graduate Business Partnership scheme supports final year students and recent graduates to launch their careers at the University of Exeter and with recommended employers in the southwest.
- GBP roles provide graduate-level employment.
- Build experience and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
The GBP scheme is open to everyone who has graduated from a UK-based university in the last 3 years. If you are an international student, you can also apply for GBP roles if you have a Graduate Visa.
You can find out more about the Graduate Business Partnership scheme here.
