Finance Graduate Review

Overall, my experience at Virgin Media O2 has been very positive and rewarding. The graduate scheme has provided a strong balance between professional development, practical experience and support. From the beginning, I was given real responsibility and exposure to meaningful work, which helped me develop both technical finance skills and commercial awareness. The scheme has also allowed me to study towards the CIMA qualification alongside work, which has been extremely valuable in developing my understanding of finance and business. Overall, the experience has helped me grow professionally and personally, while giving me a much clearer understanding of how finance operates within a major commercial organisation.

The main responsibilities of the role have included supporting the month-end process through preparing and posting journals, completing balance sheet reconciliations, reviewing financial data and sending out reports to stakeholders across the business. The role has also involved working with Excel, Oracle and reporting systems to ensure financial information is accurate and delivered on time.

My role gives me a strong opportunity to contribute meaningfully, particularly during busy month-end periods where the work completed by the team is important for accurate reporting and decision-making across the business. Even as a graduate, I have been trusted with real responsibilities such as preparing journals, completing balance sheet reconciliations and sending reports to stakeholders, which has helped me feel that my work adds value to the wider team.

I believe the compensation package is very competitive for a graduate role and reflects the level of responsibility, development opportunities and support provided by the scheme. One of the most valuable aspects is the funding and support for the CIMA qualification, as this provides both professional development and a strong long-term career benefit.

I feel the role is preparing me well for my future career by giving me a combination of practical finance experience, professional qualifications and exposure to a large commercial business environment. Through responsibilities such as preparing journals, completing balance sheet reconciliations and supporting month-end reporting, I have developed a strong understanding of core finance processes and controls.

I have generally received a strong level of support throughout the graduate scheme from managers, colleagues and the wider graduate network. Line managers and team members have been approachable and willing to answer questions, provide guidance and help me develop confidence within the role. This has been particularly valuable during busy periods such as month-end, where support and communication across the team are important.

Overall, the work-life balance on the graduate scheme is good, particularly due to the hybrid working model and supportive culture within teams. There is flexibility around where people work, which helps create a better balance between work, studying and personal life.

The organisational culture at VMO2 is collaborative, supportive and inclusive. Teams are generally welcoming and approachable, which creates a positive environment for graduates and new starters. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication and continuous development, and people are encouraged to ask questions and contribute ideas regardless of seniority.

Virgin Media O2 places a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and this is reflected in both the company culture and the initiatives available to employees. The organisation promotes an inclusive working environment where people are encouraged to be themselves, and there is clear support for diversity across teams and leadership.

Yes

I would recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend because it provides a strong balance of professional development, responsibility and support, particularly for graduates and early-career employees. The graduate scheme offers valuable practical experience alongside the opportunity to study towards professional qualifications such as CIMA, which helps build both technical and commercial skills.

The role matched my expectations very well based on the recruitment process. The responsibilities, culture and structure of the graduate scheme were communicated clearly throughout the application and interview stages, so I had a good understanding of what the role would involve before joining.