Finance Trainee

£25,000 - £30,000 per annum plus benefits including study support

Reports to:

Finance Manager

Directorate:
Finance, Governance & Assurance

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time 35 hours per week

Location:

Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 19 October 2026 23:55

Visa sponsorship:
You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: 1
-2 stage competency-based interview

As part of the Finance Training Academy, you'll complete a series of rotations across our finance function, gaining experience in a variety of specialist areas. Each rotation will have clear objectives and development opportunities, helping you build technical expertise and progress towards your professional qualification. You may gain experience in:

• Transactional Finance:
  Processing donations, income and financial transactions accurately and efficiently. Supporting Accounts Payable activities, including supplier invoice processing and payments. Assisting with pension administration and responding to member queries. Contributing to financial controls and reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Financial Accounting & Control:
  Supporting the preparation of year-end accounts and statutory reporting. Assisting with audit processes and maintaining strong financial controls. Completing balance sheet and account reconciliations. Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and ways of working across the finance function.
• Management Accounting & Reporting:
  Supporting month-end activities, including accruals, prepayments and financial reviews. Assisting with the preparation of monthly and quarterly management reports. Gaining exposure to key accounting areas such as payroll, fixed assets and investments. Helping improve reporting processes and the quality of financial information.
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):
  Supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities. Producing financial analysis, variance commentary and management insights. Working with stakeholders across the charity to understand financial performance and future requirements. Providing ad hoc analysis and reporting to support business decision‑making.

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good Excel and IT skills, with confidence using spreadsheets and financial systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A customer‑focused approach with the confidence to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

• Motivated and eager to learn, with a genuine interest in finance.
• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Committed to delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
• Open to new ideas and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• A collaborative and professional approach that reflects Cancer Research UK’s values and mission.

• A strong interest in pursuing a professional accounting qualification (ACCA or CIMA).
• Demonstrates the commitment and motivation required to balance work and professional studies.

• Bold:
  Act with ambition, courage and determination
• Credible:
  Act with rigour and professionalism
• Human:
  Act to have a positive impact on people
• Together:
  Act inclusively and collaboratively

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us…