Finance Graduate Review

Positive. A great place to work with a good community and great company culture.

The scheme involves four 9-month placements around different departments in finance. So far I have been in two different departments with 2 completely different roles.
One role has been in a business insights team which involves budgeting, running monthly processes and supporting colleagues by providing insights into costs.
The other role focused more on simplification and automating processes, where I would work with different stakeholders to automate excel processes or build visualisation dashboards.

Generally there is always opportunity to contribute and get involved in lots of different tasks and everyone is always willingly to help if there are particular areas you want to get more exposure to.
The extent to which you feel valued and like you have meaningfully contributed varies depending on the team and whether you are enjoying and understanding the work, but all teams are supportive in helping you progress.

Salary is more than fair and benefits include opportunities to invest in shares at discounted amounts, sign up to increased medical cover, retailer discounts and a brilliant pension package.
Graduates are not entitled to a bonus but this is compensated for by receiving a decent salary. After year one you are eligible for a pay rise but how this is figure is determined is not very clear and little guidance is given as to what is expected from you to achieve this.

In one placement I have felt like I was learning lots of useful knowledge that I could take with me and apply to many different roles. However, in another placement I felt like I was only learning things that I can apply to that specific role and didn't gain as much wider knowledge that could be applied outside of that placement.

Support is fantastic. You are paired with a graduate from the cohort above before you join so they can answer any questions you might have even before you start the job and then they are available to meet regularly to guide you through the grad scheme and offer advice with work and skills development.
Graduate managers are with you throughout the grad scheme and check in regarding your overall performance and wellbeing.
Line managers change with each placement and are responsible for day-to-day task setting and support.
Everyone I have encountered has been willing to help and very understanding.

Varies by placement but generally good. If I am having to stay late for any reason I am allowed to take the time back by finishing early another day.
A lot of teams seem to be working late hours and working through lunch but as a graduate you are less expected to but it can be quite difficult at times.

Culture is very welcoming and I feel valued. Generally a positive atmosphere. Everyone is approachable and willing to help, especially when you're a graduate.

Yes

Overall a fantastic place to work with great benefits, opportunities and people

Largely as expected. Though there are inconsistencies between experiences with other graduates e.g. others are having more negative or more positive experiences but I imagine this comes from completing 4 rotations - some will be better than others and more suited to different individuals.