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 Interview date: W/C 26 October 2026

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

As a Finance Trainee, you'll join Cancer Research UK's Finance Training Academy, where you'll build a broad range of skills while working in a fast-paced and supportive environment. Through rotations across a variety of business-critical finance functions, you'll gain valuable hands‑on experience while studying towards your ACCA or CIMA qualification.

Supported by qualified accountants and experienced managers, you'll receive comprehensive on‑the‑job training and development, helping you apply your studies in a practical setting and accelerate your professional growth.

This is an excellent opportunity to launch your career in finance. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of disciplines across the finance function, from transactional accounting and treasury through to financial reporting, business partnering, and financial analysis, providing a well‑rounded foundation for a successful finance career.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will vary depending on the team you're working in, the stage of your training programme, and your progress towards qualification, ensuring a varied and rewarding learning experience.

What will I be doing?

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…