Finance Graduate

Finance Graduate Scheme

“The Finance Graduate Scheme has enabled participants to interact with a broad range of stakeholders, rotate around areas from London Underground to Tech & Data, and gain an accounting qualification. The skills and experience gained through a number of different placements provide a strong foundation for a successful career in Finance.”

£31,000, rising to £32,250 in the second year, and a final salary of £36,000 in the last year of the scheme.

London/Hybrid

Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a four-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

Participants will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:

• Free travel on the TfL network for participants and a nominee who lives in the same household
• Final salary pension scheme
• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
• 30 days Annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
• Private healthcare discounted scheme
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers & many more

3 years

A minimum of a 2:2 degree in any subject.

8th September 2025

TfL plays a key role in shaping what life is like in London. The transport infrastructure and public transport network are admired around the world, literally changing London for the future—making it one of the best cities to live, work, and visit. Around 3.6 billion journeys were made across the transport network in 2023/24, and everything possible is done to keep the city moving, growing, and working.

To meet the needs of customers now and in the future, a multi-billion-pound programme is in place to make services more reliable, frequent, and accessible. This includes introducing new trains, building a new road tunnel under the Thames at Silvertown, and investing in congestion and air quality initiatives on the roads through a healthy streets approach.

As Finance graduates, participants play a huge part in this, working to generate an operating surplus to reinvest in services. They will work with stakeholders to make commercial business decisions together—challenging, driving, and guiding them to reduce costs and increase income.

At TfL, efforts are focused on delivering the safest and most inclusive transport services, enabling a thriving economy, and confronting the climate crisis while protecting and regenerating the environment. This involves transforming vehicles to zero emission, investing in renewable energy, and implementing clean air policies. TfL is learning how to adapt to a changing climate, protecting, connecting, and enhancing biodiversity across the estate, improving resource procurement and usage, and encouraging greener, fairer, and more inclusive practices.

This three-year programme develops a holistic understanding of the different aspects that make up Finance as a business function. Participants complete up to nine placement rotations and study for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional qualification through the Level 7 Accountancy Taxation Professional apprenticeship.

The programme is designed to equip participants with the skills and breadth of experience needed for a successful career. The journey through the scheme includes building knowledge in transactional accounting, applying that knowledge, gaining partnering experience across major Business Units, transitioning into strategic finance placements, and contributing towards significant strategy publications, treasury management, or funding solutions for major projects.

To account for individual ambitions, the programme includes core and elective placements, allowing participants to shape their career paths.

First 9 months
Developing transactional accounting knowledge across three areas of the Business Support Function: Record to Account, Project to Asset, and the Reporting team. Activities include reviewing and posting manual journals, account reconciliations, and supporting periodic financial close.

Next 15 months
Applying knowledge and developing partnering skills through placements with delivery organisations.

• Finance Business Partnering: Building effective relationships with a chosen business area, supporting budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities. Opportunities span areas like Capital Delivery, Operations, Places for London, and Customer and Strategy.

Final 12 months

• Financial Planning and Analysis: Shaping multi-year business plans and managing internal and external stakeholders.
• Investment Appraisal: Assessing the viability and value of projects, programmes, or portfolio decisions.
• Corporate Finance: Developing funding solutions or exploring borrowing and investment management.

Participants benefit from support networks like the Graduate and Apprentice Committee and Alumni group, which enhance organisational understanding and provide continued learning opportunities.

After completing the scheme, graduates transition into permanent roles, such as finance business partner, financial reporting accountant, or corporate finance analyst. TfL’s strong track record in supporting graduate alumni includes high retention and promotion rates, with many alumni progressing to senior management roles.

Graduates will earn the ACMA CGMA designation as a chartered management accountant, equipping them with technical skills and professional knowledge for long-term success.

Participants are supported through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking, with guidance from:

• Placement manager: Provides day-to-day management and support.
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager offering technical and professional advice.
• Buddy: Typically an apprentice or graduate who offers peer support.
• Development adviser: Provides career coaching and supports career progression at TfL.

TfL seeks candidates who demonstrate the following values:

• Caring: About colleagues, customers, and work.
• Open: To new ideas and collaboration.
• Adaptable: Willing to innovate and meet diverse needs.

Participants study for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional qualification through the Level 7 Accountancy Taxation Professional apprenticeship, earning the ACMA CGMA designation.

The application process involves five steps, including online assessments. Detailed information is available to help candidates prepare.

Candidates should upload qualification certificates with their applications. If final exams are pending or replacements are needed, these can be provided later.

Please click on this link for which describes each stage of the https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles?intcmp=66755

TfL operates a transparent recruitment process, removing barriers for disabled candidates.

As a Disability Confident employer, TfL guarantees interviews for candidates meeting minimum criteria. A robust reasonable adjustments process is in place.

For reasonable adjustments or inquiries, contact the recruitment team:

• Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30)
• Email: EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk