Finance

“No decision is made without taking into consideration the financial implication of that decision.  Make no mistake, the role is challenging.  But knowing in the end your work and decisions will make a difference; this is what makes my role so worthwhile.”

Krupa, Finance Scheme

Start your journey in Finance

Join our Finance scheme and we’ll offer you a real opportunity to shape services, find efficiencies and develop new ways of working that are better for the NHS and therefore benefit us all.   

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.  

Trainee insight

Tahmid shares his experience as a Finance trainee.

Read Finance trainee blogs to find out more about life as a GMTS trainee

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. 

Trainees on all specialisms work towards a post-graduate certificate in Healthcare Leadership in their first year on the scheme.  In addition to formal qualifications, trainees also participate in experiential and action learning, to develop their leadership skills more broadly.  

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.  

Duration
2 years, 6 months
Entry
2:2 degree and above, any subject
Location
England
Salary
£27,701 + benefits

We’re looking for leadership potential.  To help you achieve yours, every trainee is supported by a:

• Programme manager to support your progress through the scheme

• Support manager to provide pastoral support for the duration of the scheme

• Placement manager on each placement 

• Buddy – usually a trainee from the previous cohort 

• Local NHS Leadership and Lifelong Learning network – host local events and manage alumni networks

• Trainee Experience Support Group – advocate for trainees within the NHS

Finance FAQs

Am I still eligible if I am already qualified / part qualified CIMA

If you’re already qualified or have completed the intermediate/management stage of the professional accountancy qualification CIMA, you’ll be eligible to apply for the GMTS Finance specialism.

Please note all of our Finance trainees have to study for the CIPFA qualification as part of the scheme, and the educational component has been designed specifically for the NHS

Am I still eligible if I’m already qualified / have completed the first stage of CIPFA?

No. If you’re already qualified or have completed the first stage (e.g. the ‘Professional Certificate’, ‘Professional Diploma’ or ‘Strategic’ papers) of the professional accountancy qualification CIPFA, you are not eligible to join the Finance specialism.

All of our Finance trainees have to take this qualification as part of the scheme and the educational component has been designed specifically for the NHS. However, you can apply to join another GMTS specialism.

Do I need to have a background in accounting to succeed?

No!  The learning starts at basic level 

Will I need to buy books or materials?

No.  Hard copies will be sent but all are available online 

You will be required to take all exams for your qualification while on-scheme.  Exemptions are therefore not permitted.  Please see information above about eligibility.  

12 exams 

Alert: Applications are now closed for 2024 entry