NGDP Finance Scheme

An exciting pathway within the National Graduate Development Programme designed for graduates who aspire to make a meaningful impact on their communities through the world of public finance.


Welcome to the NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme, an exciting pathway within the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) designed for graduates who aspire to make a meaningful impact on their communities through the world of public finance. If you're passionate about finance and your local community's well-being, you're in the right place.

The scheme is currently closed for applications.


What is the NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme?

The NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme is a specialised stream within the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) designed for graduates who want to pursue a career in public finance. It offers a unique and tailored development pathway into local government and other public services for aspiring finance professionals.

The four-year programme is geared towards developing graduates with a passion for finance and communities into future local government and public sector leaders, helping them gain practical work experience while studying for the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship, which includes The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy’s Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA PAQ), which is the key qualification for anyone pursuing a career in public finance management.

Working across a participating organisation, you’ll build up experience in all the important areas of public sector finance, including financial systems, budget preparation and monitoring, payroll, pensions, treasury, internal audit and accounting.

With communities facing numerous challenges– whether it be climate change, housing, public health or the cost-of-living crisis – it can seem insurmountable at times for individuals who want to make a difference. But these issues are at the core of local councils’ work. Councils combine the passion and expertise of hundreds and thousands of dedicated public servants, working to improve everyday life for people in their communities, now and for the future. If you want to make a measurable, tangible difference, you couldn’t ask for a better place to start.

Salary

Starting salaries vary between £27,000 - £35,000. Your starting salary and benefits package will depend on the participating organisation you are placed with. All benefits packages include generous holiday entitlement, flexible working arrangements, and an excellent pension scheme.

Eligibility

The NGDP welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. Our only requirements are:

  • a minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree by July 2024
  • you must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the four-year programme
  • candidates must have lived in the UK for the last three years
  • unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Structure of the programme

  • If you are successful at the interview, you will work as an employee of that participating organisation on a minimum four-year fixed-term contract.
  • During this time, you will learn different aspects of finance to gain a wide range of experience and skills, alongside completing the CIPFA Level 7 apprenticeship.

Any questions?

Check out our frequently asked questions below if you have any questions. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].

Participating councils

For the 2024 intake, 22 organisations have signed up to take graduate trainees, with the London Borough of Sutton & Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames sharing a graduate. There are a minimum of 46 trainee places expected for the 2024 cohort.

City of London Corporation, Greater London Authority, London Borough of Barnet, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Haringey, London Borough of Hillingdon, London Borough of Islington, London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London Borough of Lambeth, London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Redbridge, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Sutton, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Metropolitan Police Service, Richmond and Wandsworth Council, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Westminster City Council

Differences in the application process (e.g. the numeracy test)

The application process is similar to the NGDP. However, candidates will be expected to take a numeracy test in addition to the situational judgement test.

CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship

All successful trainees will complete the CIPFA Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is for those aspiring to become future public finance leaders and to qualify as a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA). The skills and knowledge you develop as you move through the programme are fundamental to the roles of steward, enabler and innovator, and business partner – performed by finance professionals working across the public and private sectors. You will also learn key leadership skills.

Training is delivered by qualified experts with years of public finance experience. It involves a combination of online and offline learning. This includes face-to-face sessions, which are held in London.

More information about CIPFA and the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship can be found on the CIPFA website.


Frequently asked questions