Finance Trainee - Register your interest

Applications are now closed for 2026 entry. Applications for 2027 scheme entry will open in September 2026.

Start your journey in Finance

Financial decisions play a critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare. As a Finance trainee, you'll help ensure NHS organisations make the best use of resources to improve patient care, support services and deliver value for the communities they serve.

NHS finance professionals do far more than manage budgets. They influence strategic decision-making, support service transformation and help shape the future of healthcare delivery. Working alongside senior leaders and clinicians, you'll use financial insight to support decisions that affect patients, staff and services across some of the largest and most complex organisations in the country.

You’ll develop skills and experience in strategic and operational finance as well as financial and management accounting. No trainee day is ‘typical’, the scale of the NHS means that we have a variety of placement types and locations available. Recent trainees have worked in hospitals, reviewing cost efficiencies of operating theatres and wards – as well as in office locations, working on annual reports and pension planning. You will be given early responsibility on the scheme but also work collaboratively with operational and clinical colleagues, to ensure the financial viability of services.

Qualifications

We will support you to gain a professional finance and accountancy qualification from the Chartered Institute of Public and Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

You will study for 12 modules, including Management Accounting and Financial Accounting, Audit and Assurance, Company Financial Reporting and Financial Management, submitting a strategic case study at the end of the scheme. 

Alongside your finance qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme which will introduce, develop and harness your leadership style and potential. This programme will be delivered through a blended mix of conference style, virtual workshops and small group learning.

Trainees will also participate in Action Learning Sets and attend a range of conferences throughout the Scheme which will allow them to work and develop together as a group, learning from leading experts within the health and social care sector and further afield.

Teaching is delivered during working hours, but trainees can expect to complete coursework and revision in their own time.

Career path

The Trainees have gone on to succeed in challenging and rewarding careers across the NHS in roles such as finance manager, business analyst, management accountant, pricing analyst and eventually senior management roles include Director of Finance and Business Partner.

Support and development

We're looking for leadership potential. To help you achieve yours, every trainee receives comprehensive support throughout the Scheme.

This includes:

• A Trainee Support Manager (TSM), providing pastoral and wellbeing support throughout your time on the Scheme.
• An Education Officer, supporting your academic journey and professional development.
• A Placement Manager for each placement, acting as your day-to-day line manager.
• A Programme Manager who oversees your overall progression and competency development.
• A trainee Buddy from a previous cohort who can share their experience, advice and support.

You'll also benefit from the wider GMTS network, including fellow trainees, alumni, NHS leaders, university tutors and professional experts who will help support your development and future career.