Launch your public sector finance career

The Local Government Graduate Finance Programme gives you the experience, knowledge and understanding you need to build a successful career in public finance. Joining one of ten London boroughs on a secure, fixed-term contract, you’ll spend four years learning about every aspect of local authority finance – from key corporate processes to risk management. The scheme offers a rich variety of training and professional exposure, and you will contribute to all kinds of challenging operational work and project initiatives tailored to your development needs.

Key responsibilities will include preparing and monitoring budgets, ensuring savings targets are managed and achieved, and providing high-quality financial advice to managers and government departments.

 

Every day, you will have the satisfaction of knowing your work has a real impact on real people’s lives. By the end of the scheme, you will have the qualifications, confidence and know-how to take on the first big management challenge of your career.

 

Do you have what it takes?

 

This is a scheme for the finance leaders of the future – for graduates who are driven to lead and succeed, who aren’t afraid of taking on new challenges, and who have a genuine desire to make a difference to communities. To qualify for the scheme, you must have:

  • Minimum 2:1 degree in any subject (expected or achieved)
  • GCSE Maths and English or equivalent (Level 4 or above)
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Strong numeracy and computer literacy
  • Willingness to study for a professional qualification while working full time

Please note: our graduate roles are politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. We are therefore unable to accept applications from candidates currently involved with political activity, both during and outside of election periods.

Participating Boroughs

Westminster City Council

Westminster is the UK’s political and cultural centre, containing world-renowned theatres, restaurants, hotels and entertainment. Businesses in the city generate...

London Borough of Camden

The borough of Camden is extremely diverse. It goes from Covent Garden and Oxford Street in the south to Highgate and Hampstead in the north.

London Borough of Islington

The London Borough of Islington lies in the heart of the city, with thriving cultural, culinary, and nightlife experiences within its 6 square miles...

London Borough of Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is a richly diverse borough in the north-east of London, bordering Essex, stretching from Leyton in the south to Chingford in the North. We are a pioneering...

City of London

The City of London Corporation (City Corporation) is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

Hammersmith and Fulham is one of the 13 inner London boroughs situated in the central western part of London on the transport routes between the City and Heathrow airport, as well as running alongside a section of the River Thames.

Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

At the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, we have an exciting vision to build a sustainable borough of opportunity and innovation for our residents – and to achieve that we rely on the exceptional work carried out by colleagues across every service. 

London Borough of Lewisham

Despite sitting comfortably in Zone 2 and touching the river Thames in the north, the Lewisham is still one of the most affordable areas to buy and rent in the capital...

London Borough of Enfield

We are a dynamic local authority driven by a clear vision of how we will transform the borough, address inequality, and create a lifetime of opportunities for everyone who lives, works and learns in Enfield.

London Borough of Haringey

Haringey is a place of great opportunity, with enormous potential for growth – a growing economy, more and better housing and flourishing communities. We believe that, with our potential for growth, we are the future of London.

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth Council

Both Councils have a strong track record of delivering high-quality services at low cost, with high levels of resident satisfaction. You will be working at a unique organisation that focuses on creative service design and new ways of working.

North London Waste Authority

North London Waste Authority (NLWA) is the statutory waste disposal authority for seven north London boroughs. Our mission is to preserve resources and the environment for future generations by exemplary planning, innovation, and communication in managing North London’s waste.

Ready to be the future of public finance ?

We are now open for applications to our 2023 graduate opportunities.