Finance

Applications for the Finance graduate programme are now closed.

One of the biggest success stories of the last decade – we are the third largest retailer in the world, the market leader in five countries and, with our recent entry into China and the United States, we now access markets with over two billion people.

As our UK and International business continue to experience high-growth, our customers take priority in every decision we make. We now have a strong presence in 15 countries, employing over 468,508 people serving over 31 million customers a day across a network of 4,308 stores. Over recent years, we have undergone dramatic expansion into Asia, Central Europe and USA and we’re still growing. Such dynamism and growth doesn’t just happen by itself. As Tesco continues to expand we are seeking highly motivated and quality focussed graduates to join our 2010 scheme. Help shape the future of this business and realise your potential by joining our success story. Our Finance programme will give you great experiences across the whole business.

As well as learning from people around the business, we’ll fund you through your CIMA, (Chartered Institute of Management Accounts), approved training programmes. Seeing the business from many different angles means you’ll develop excellent commercial awareness that will dramatically increase your progress and development throughout the scheme and your future career within Finance.

Tesco means big numbers! With a turnover of £58.5 billion, we’re also the largest e-grocer and most profitable e-retail business in the world. We’re the third largest on-line car insurer and our clothing sales reached over £1.2 billion last year. Working with figures like these, it’s clear why Finance is an integral part of all the Tesco divisions.

The impact of what you do will be visible throughout the organisation, as the way the company develops hinges upon the decisions we make. The culture is highly commercial and adventurous, which means insight and strategic financial guidance is a key part of our role.

Career development

From day one you’ll have a Finance Director as a mentor, as well as a recent graduate as a buddy who can help you with all aspects of your new role. With your manager, you will identify your career objectives and specific areas for personal development. Both your mentor and buddy will be able to help you to develop your knowledge, guide you on which career paths to take and encourage you to assess your progress. As part of your induction you’ll gain a good insight of Every Little Helps in action for our customers, and an idea of how our retail operations work. Back within Finance, you’ll use your financial understanding in specific areas to add value. You’ll have access to a wide range of courses throughout the programme, from how to get the best from others, to presentation skills and managing effective meetings. Like everything at Tesco, they’re designed to help you make the most of your potential.

Professional studies

As well as learning from people around the business, we’ll fund you through our CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounts) approved training programmes. We’ll give you full support in your studies with a generous 5 days of study leave per exam, as well as hosting extra curricular sessions with dedicated representatives from the accountancy bodies. We’ll pay for all exam-related courses and fees. With this comprehensive support we’ll expect you to rapidly progress through your exams.

What’s next?

The pace of change and innovation means that there’ll be a wide range of opportunities available once you finish the programme, and it’ll be time to use the experience you’ve gained in a position that steers you towards senior management. You should be ready for your first management role after three years on the scheme, with a salary to match.


Recruitment Schedule  
14th September Online Application Form Opens
1st DECEMBER GRADUATE APPLICATION DEADLINE
w/c 2nd November Telephone Interviews begin
19th November First Round of Graduate Interviews at Tesco
25th/26th November First Round of Graduate Assessment Days
10th December Second Round of Graduate Interviews at Tesco
16th/17th December Second Round of Assessment Days
December 2009 Offers Made
September 2010 Graduates Start

To be successful in this role you'll need:

  • A minimum 2:1 in any discipline (or expect to receive)
  • 240 UCAS points at A Level/Scottish Highers or other equivalent qualifications (excluding General Studies)
  • Commercial awareness
  • The ability to analyse and make decisions
  • Strong communication skills
  • Personal Integrity
  • Confidence
  • Team Working
  • The ability to influence, plan and prioritise

If your application is successful you will need to be available to attend either our First round of Interviews and Assessment Centres on the  19 th November and  25th/26th November or our Second Round of Interviews and Assessment Centres on 10th and  the 16th/17th December

Find out more from one of our graduates.