Finance Graduate Review

My experience at Balfour Beatty as a Finance Graduate has been both rewarding and insightful. Starting with a rotation in the Tax team, I’ve had the opportunity to work on real-world projects that deepened my understanding of complex areas such as transfer pricing, IR35 compliance, and employment tax across different regions in the UK. The exposure to technical topics, combined with practical learning through tools like Alteryx and collaborative sessions, has helped me develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The culture at Balfour Beatty is supportive and inclusive. From day one, I’ve felt encouraged to learn and grow, whether through formal training like Copilot 102 and Kaplan learning journals or informal catch-ups with mentors and colleagues. The Early Careers Programme has been a standout feature, offering structured development and networking opportunities, such as the Manchester Early Careers Festival, which broadened my perspective on the industry.
What I value most is the emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing. Regular interactions with department heads and specialists have given me a clear view of how finance adds value to major projects and strategic decisions.
Overall, Balfour Beatty provides a dynamic environment where graduates can gain hands-on experience, build technical expertise, and develop professionally within a well-established organisation.

Tax, being my first rotation, has offered diverse and impactful responsibilities. I have supported tax compliance and reporting by assisting with employment tax calculations across different UK regions, understanding IR35 implications, and ensuring accurate reporting. I’ve also contributed to transfer pricing analysis, reviewing transactions and using data to ensure compliance with tax regulations. A significant part of my work has involved data management and process improvement, where I used tools like Alteryx to automate data preparation for PSA templates and streamline reporting processes. Alongside these responsibilities, I’ve engaged with others and collaborated with department heads to understand the business drivers behind tax decisions. My development has been supported through structured learning programmes, like Copilot sessions, which have helped me build technical and professional skills.
What I’ve enjoyed most is the exposure to complex tax topics such as IR35, transfer pricing, and employment tax, which has been intellectually stimulating and allowed me to develop specialist knowledge early in my career. I’ve particularly valued the analytical and technical aspects of the role, using automation tools like Alteryx to improve efficiency and accuracy. The collaborative culture at Balfour Beatty has been another highlight, with mentors, colleagues, and senior leaders providing guidance and insights that have made learning enjoyable. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to explore innovation through AI tools like Microsoft Copilot as well as Alteryx, which has shown me how technology can enhance productivity and decision-making in finance. Experimenting with Copilot has sparked my interest in leveraging AI to drive efficiency and accuracy in financial processes, adding an exciting dimension to my graduate experience.

I’ve been trusted with responsibilities that have a real impact on the business. Regular collaboration with colleagues and department heads has made me feel included in decision-making and provided insight into how my work supports wider organisational goals. The team’s openness to ideas and willingness to share knowledge has created an environment where my contributions are recognised and appreciated, which has been motivating and rewarding.

Simplyhealth has been very useful and the SIPP scheme has also encouraged me to think seriously about future investment opportunities and long-term financial planning. These benefits, combined with opportunities for professional development and networking through the Early Careers Programme, make the overall package feel comprehensive and aligned with the value I contribute in my role.

This role has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. Before starting my graduate journey, I wasn’t certain which area of finance I wanted to specialise in. However, working within the Tax team has given me clarity and confidence about my future direction. I’ve discovered a strong interest in finance transformation and digital products, particularly in bridging the gap between finance and data-driven change. The exposure to process improvement tools and collaborative projects has highlighted how technology can enhance financial operations, which aligns perfectly with my goal of pursuing ACCA while contributing to innovative solutions.

The support I’ve received has been strong overall, particularly within my immediate team. My line manager and colleagues have been approachable and proactive, creating an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. I also appreciate having a buddy I can reach out to whenever needed, which has been helpful for informal advice and reassurance. Formal support from HR and the graduate programme team has been good in terms of resources and initial onboarding, but I think regular check-ins with the team that oversees graduates would make a big difference. More structured touchpoints and guidance from that group would help ensure we feel consistently supported throughout the programme.

A typical working week allows me to manage my personal time and maintain my physical and mental wellbeing. While I am still figuring out the best routine to balance my ACCA studies alongside work, I appreciate the flexibility and support I receive from the team, even though the qualification is separate from my role.

The organisational culture at Balfour Beatty is inclusive, collaborative, and strongly aligned with its core values of integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Hybrid working is also a major plus as it provides flexibility to manage both professional and personal commitments effectively.

I have personally felt included and respected, and their efforts like the affinity networks make the culture genuinely diverse and supportive.

Yes

I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend because it’s a genuinely great place to work. I’m happy in my role, and work doesn’t just feel like work, it feels like an opportunity to learn and grow every day. I enjoy coming in, tackling new challenges, and having conversations with colleagues who are always approachable and supportive. The culture is positive and welcoming, and everyone I’ve interacted with has been friendly and willing to help. This environment makes it easy to feel motivated and engaged, and it’s one of the reasons I look forward to coming to work.

I would say it exceeded my expectations.