Finance Graduate

Develop expertise across accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, tax, treasury, and internal audit through a two-year finance graduate programme with professional qualification sponsorship.

Job Purpose: 

Lucy Group is looking to employ a Finance Graduate to join The Group finance function. This individual will learn / develop in various finance departments during their two-year fixed term contract with a view to specialise in one of these areas once the initial graduate scheme comes to an end. 

This individual must strive to gain a broad range of skills and a vast understanding of the company's needs to be able to liaise with all sectors of the business. This role will expose you to Transactional Accounting, Statutory and Financial Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit and Compliance, Treasury and Tax. 

The department works closely with senior members of the businesses as well as employees in various locations across the business to ensure that the function is managed in the most effective way possible. 

Business Overview: 

Lucy Group is an international group that makes the built environment sustainable. Our electric businesses advance the transition to a carbon-free world with infrastructure that enables renewable energy and smart cities. Our real estate businesses support sustainable living through responsible property development and investment. 

Job Dimensions: 

This role will initially be based in the Oxford Head Office and will undertake a number of secondments to numerous internal financial functions during the program. 

You will also spend some time in one of our largest businesses, Lucy Electric in Thame. You will be required to undertake some assignments in one of Lucy Electric’s international offices. 

Graduate Programme Outline

Sponsorship will be provided through to a suitable professional qualification as part of the graduate program. You will spend time within the following functions to allow you to develop your corporate operational knowledge in these areas:

Transactional accounting in Group Subsidiary 

As part of the finance team at one the UK subsidiary companies that is responsible for the day-to-day transactional accounting postings and maintenance of the company’s financial records: 

• Involvement in posting month end journals to ensure accuracy and timeliness of postings

• Assist with purchase and sales ledger departments to gain a full understanding of the whole finance function

• Perform analysis and reconciliations of accounts. 

Statutory and financial reporting

This function ensures the Group, and all its subsidiaries meet statutory reporting deadlines and requirements for annual accounts and other reporting requirements, as well as managing the relationship with Group auditors. 

• Exposure to a variety of financial reporting standards and technical accounting issues, including IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and UK financial reporting standards 

• Gain experience of dealing with auditors and the year-end statutory accounts process to ensure statutory and internal deadlines are met. 

Financial planning and analysis

The financial planning and analysis department ensure internal reporting and financial plans that are used as the basis for business decision making and planning are accurate and reliable. These includes annual budgets and forecasts, monthly management accounts and medium-term business plans. 

• Gain a strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and the monthly accounting process

• Develop skills in stakeholder management, to other business units and senior management

Internal audit and compliance 

The Group’s internal audit function is responsible for providing objective assurance on the adequacy of the Groups internal controls and risk management policies.

•    Assist with internal audit reviews of the Groups subsidiary businesses to gain an understanding and experience of the control environment and internal control policies. Recommending improvements to business processes, policies and procedures to enable the Group to meet the highest standards of reporting and control environment.

Tax

The centralised group tax function is responsible for tax across all Group companies, including corporation, employment and indirect tax as well as all group tax reporting. This includes ensuring the correct amount of tax is paid on time and in line with local tax legislation. 

Gain exposure and an understanding of:

• UK and non-UK corporation tax, through annual tax returns and submissions

• Employment tax, payroll reporting and employee benefits

• Indirect tax (VAT) in the UK as part of the Groups VAT reporting requirements

• Supporting the tax function on advisory and tax planning projects. 

Treasury

The treasury department ensures that the company has sufficient funding and liquidity to meet the Groups requirements and manages the financial risks in relation to foreign currency and commodity exposures.

• Cash flow forecasting and management to ensure the Group has sufficient funding in place to meet its objectives

• Management of key stakeholders, including external banks and internal group departments, including local finance teams, legal and company secretarial

• Assist with foreign currency and commodity management to enable the Group to manage its risk in these areas.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience 

• A minimum of a 2:1 in a relevant and relatable subject matter

• Strong communication skills

• Organizational abilities

• Analytical reasoning

• Accounting

• Data analysis

• Critical thinking and the ability to adapt to changing situations all while demonstrating strong ethical conduct and a focus on continuous development.  

Behavioural Competencies

Communication skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication to effectively interact with employees at all levels, including management, and clearly convey information about company policies, procedures, and updates. 

Interpersonal skills:

Empathy, tact, and the ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds to foster positive working relationships

Adaptability:

Being flexible and able to adjust to changing business needs and market conditions 

Ethical conduct:

Maintain high ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in all finance practices. 

Continuous learning:

You will be sponsored to study for a professional accounting qualifications and stay updated on current trends in finance by attending workshops, webinars, and training and experience as a finance graduate.