LGA Impact - Graduate Finance Scheme

Who we are

This is a specialised stream within Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme designed for graduates who want to pursue a career in public finance. It offers a unique and tailored development pathway into local government and other public services for aspiring finance professionals. 

What to expect

The four-year programme is geared towards developing graduates with a passion for finance and communities into future local government and public sector leaders, helping them gain practical work experience while studying for the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship, which includes The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy’s Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA PAQ), which is the key qualification for anyone pursuing a career in public finance management.  

Working across a participating organisation, you’ll build up experience in all the important areas of public sector finance, including financial systems, budget preparation and monitoring, payroll, pensions, treasury, internal audit and accounting. 

With communities facing numerous challenges– whether it be climate change, housing, public health or the cost-of-living crisis – it can seem insurmountable at times for individuals who want to make a difference. But these issues are at the core of local councils’ work. Councils combine the passion and expertise of hundreds and thousands of dedicated public servants, working to improve everyday life for people in their communities, now and for the future. If you want to make a measurable, tangible difference, you couldn’t ask for a better place to start.

Structure of the programme

• If you're successful at the interview, you will work as an employee of that participating organisation on a minimum four-year fixed-term contract.
• During this time, you'll learn different aspects of finance to gain a wide range of experience and skills, alongside completing the CIPFA Level 7 apprenticeship.

Eligibility

• A minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree by August 2025.
• You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the four-year programme.
• Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.
• Candidates must have lived in the UK for the last three years.