Wickes
Trainee Finance Manager
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Finance Manager Scheme 2026
If you’re looking to start a career in finance with real progression, strong support, and room to learn and grow, Wickes would be the right place to begin. We have an exciting opportunity for school leavers and graduates to join our Finance Manager Scheme. Based at our Support Centre in Watford, the scheme offers a structured 3 to 4 year programme combining real experience whilst studying for the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA) qualification, professional development and clear career pathways. We open this scheme once a year, so this is your chance to apply.
You'll be part of a Finance team that supports a fast-paced, growing FTSE 250 listed business and build the skills needed to progress into a Finance Manager role.
What you’ll learn and do:
- Develop technical expertise in financial analysis, month-end reporting and other core financial competencies
- Benefit from direct mentorship and coaching from senior finance leaders to understand the "why" behind business decisions.
- Build a corporate network through dedicated workshops, internal events, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Provide data-driven insights to help departments optimise their budgets and financial performance.
- Take ownership of projects that directly impact our operational efficiency.
By the end of our programme, you’ll be a qualified accountant.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Who we’re looking for:
What matters most to us is your positive attitude and potential. And you’d need the following:
- Positive energy and thrive in a fast-paced environment!
- Keen to understand how financial figures drive commercial performance
- School-leaver or graduate with a keen interest in a career in finance
- Achieved a minimum of 3 Bs at A-Level (or equivalent) and a grade 7 or above in both Maths and English at GCSE.
- Achieved an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or higher. (Not applicable for school leavers)
- Motivated to learn and develop.
- Curious about how business works.
- Strong communication skills.
If that sounds like you, you’ll be well supported here at Wickes.
Application process
- Apply online: complete the online application form and tell us about your education, experience, aspirations, and why Wickes is right for you.
- Case study: complete a real-world case study designed for you to showcase your financial mindset.
- Assessment centre and interview: shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an assessment day which includes interviews and aptitude tests.
- Final Interview: shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Senior Finance Leadership Team.
- Offer: successful candidates will receive a formal offer of employment to join the scheme.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What can we offer you?
You’ll receive structured learning, mentoring, and on-the-job experience designed to help you grow with confidence. We’ll fund your books, courses, as well as your first exam attempts. You’ll get study leave for each exam. Your starting salary is £30,000. As you progress through the scheme and complete your qualifications, your salary will increase each year, recognising your development and achievement.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Competitive bonus
- Save As You Earn scheme
- Contributory pension
- 20% Colleague discount
- Access to a discount platform with cashback and savings at a wide range of retailers
- Cycle to work scheme and gym discounts
Our culture is one of our strongest assets. We offer flexible working, with a blend of office and remote working. We support a healthy balance between work and life, so you can be at your best in both.
About Wickes
What we’re most proud of is our culture. We’re inclusive, supportive and down-to-earth, with a strong sense of teamwork and shared ambition. At Wickes, you can be yourself, ask questions, and grow at your own pace.
We're a multi-channel home improvement retailer. We generate £1.6bn+ in revenue, operating across 230 stores and online, and supported by over 8000 colleagues.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London