Launch your finance career and make a real impact in 12 months.
Our 11-month Finance Year in Industry Placement gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within one of the UK's largest and most complex organisations. Working alongside experienced finance professionals, you'll support real projects, contribute to business decisions and develop valuable skills across a range of finance disciplines, including reporting, analysis and accounting.
What you’ll be doing
Take the opportunity to gain experience across a large and varied finance function while developing your commercial, analytical and professional skills.
You'll support a range of financial activities while building the knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in finance. You'll have the opportunity to:
· Work as an Assistant Financial Accountant or Assistant Management Accountant
· Support financial reporting, analysis, budgeting and accounting activities
· Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across the business
You'll gain exposure to a variety of finance disciplines while developing practical skills and industry knowledge.
Who you are matters
You'll need to be in your penultimate year at university, be on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:1 degree in any subject, and have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in finance.
We're looking for motivated individuals with an analytical mindset and an aptitude for finance. You should be enthusiastic about your work, enjoy collaborating with others and be confident communicating with people at all levels. Other qualities we're looking for include:
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
· Good teamwork and collaboration skills
· Effective communication skills
· A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning
· An interest in developing a career in finance
What you’ll get out of it
Over 11 months, you'll gain valuable experience across a range of finance disciplines while building your professional network and understanding of how finance supports the wider business. You'll be surrounded by supportive colleagues and receive coaching from experienced professionals and senior leaders throughout your placement.
You'll also have opportunities to take part in experience days, site visits and shadowing activities, as well as become part of Ignite, our Graduate and Year In Industry community. At the end of your placement, you'll present your experiences and achievements, reflecting on everything you've learned throughout the year. If you'd like to be considered for the following year's Finance Graduate Scheme, you'll be invited to interview, helping you take the next step towards a career in finance with Network Rail.
Salary: £25,409 pro rata
Locations: Derby, Milton Keynes
Start date: September 2027
Programme duration: 11 months
Minimum degree requirements: On track to achieve a 2:1 degree in any subject



