Finance Student Placement (Fixed Term Opportunity)

If you are expected to achieve at least a 2:1 in a finance related degree and would like to enhance your employability through relevant work experience, an industrial placement with the National Physical Laboratory gives you the opportunity to provide hands-on support to our excellent team of finance professionals.

This fixed term opportunity offers experience in management information reporting, supporting the growth of future business and transactional activities, providing a varied yet thorough introduction to the finance function. We have apprentices, students, scientists, and professional staff all working towards a common goal. This, coupled with many societies, allows for interactions with a diverse workforce and supports transition from university to working life. The estimated start date for this position is 1^st July 2026, estimated end date 14^th August 2027. 

Our finance team support the business by giving advice and guidance on financial queries, managing performance and processing essential transactions to our customers and suppliers. As you gain experience, you will take on greater responsibility, including ad-hoc projects. The placement is an excellent way to apply your theoretical knowledge and develop within the role.

You’ll be able to develop highly sought-after technical skills by working with Excel spreadsheets and the MS Dynamics 365 system, Salesforce and Power BI. There is also an opportunity to attend NPL training courses such as using Excel, communicating effectively, presentation skills and time management. By the end of the year, you will have gained a wealth of experience, giving you the confidence to pursue your finance career.

You’ll be a well-organised, driven, and ambitious individual with effective communication skills the ability to think and work flexibly. You’ll also be passionate about working in a collaborative team environment.

To succeed in the role during your placement you will need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills, as well as excellent problem-solving skills.

This opportunity is based in the ‘Financial Planning and Analysis’ team, you’ll work closely with the Head of Financial Strategy and Planning, as well as the Commercial and Management Accounting teams and have the opportunity to get involved in many different areas of Finance.

What you’ll be doing:

• Financial reporting, data analysis and manipulation
• Using Finance Systems
• Develop your Microsoft Excel skills (training will be provided)
• Providing guidance and support on various queries to both scientists and individuals external to the company.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. 

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview
 
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
 
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
 
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.