Finance Trainee – 3 year FTC

Job Description

Job Title: Finance Trainee – 3 year FTC

Location: Rochester; Kent: Onsite

Salary: £26,000

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

This three‑year Finance Trainee programme offers a structured route into accountancy, combining hands‑on experience across key finance areas with full support to study towards your CIMA qualification. You’ll rotate through a selection of placements, which may include Cost Base, Project Accounting, FP&A and Cost Estimating and Pricing gaining a broad understanding of how finance operates within a complex engineering business. Over the scheme, you will complete the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting with the potential to progress onto the full CIMA qualification after successful performance. This role is ideal for someone motivated, organised and ready to balance professional study with a full‑time role, building the foundations for a long‑term career as a Chartered Management Accountant.

Core duties:

• Rotate through key Finance teams, which may include Cost Base, Project Accounting, FP&A, and Cost Estimating and Pricing
• Support month‑end, reporting and analysis activities across different placements
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and cost management tasks
• Assist with preparing financial data, reports and presentations for stakeholders
• Apply learning from CIMA studies to real business scenarios and decision‑making
• Build effective working relationships across Finance and the wider business
• Manage your study time effectively, using the dedicated study leave provided and committing additional personal time to prepare for CIMA exams

Essential Skills:

• 5 GCSEs A*–C / 9–4 (or equivalent), including Mathematics and English
• 120 UCAS points from a maximum of three A‑Levels (or equivalent), ideally including Mathematics and/or a business‑related subject
• Ability to balance professional study with a full‑time role through good organisation and commitment
• Familiarity with Excel and confidence working with numerical information
• Experience in a finance, accounts, payroll or data‑focused role (e.g., part‑time work, internship or placement) – highly advantageous

The Finance Team:

You’ll be joining a collaborative and forward‑looking Finance team within one of the world’s leading defence, aerospace and security organisations. It’s an environment where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are valued and everyone contributes to work that has real purpose. You’ll learn from experienced professionals who are committed to developing early‑career talent, giving you the guidance, exposure and confidence to grow. With meaningful projects, supportive colleagues and the chance to make a genuine impact, it’s a team where you can build your skills and shape a rewarding future.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 9th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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