Build a career in finance while making a difference to the communities you serve.
The Finance Pathway of Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme is a four-year graduate scheme designed to develop the next generation of public finance professionals and leaders.
Working within London and surrounding areas, you’ll gain hands-on experience across a range of finance functions while contributing to services that make a real difference to people’s lives. From supporting major regeneration projects and housing initiatives to helping councils respond to financial and environmental challenges, you’ll be involved in work with genuine social impact from day one.
Through a structured programme of rotations, you’ll develop experience in areas such as:
- financial planning and budget management
- treasury and investment management
- pensions and payroll services
- internal audit and risk
- financial systems and transformation
- accounting and financial reporting.
These rotations will give you a broad understanding of local government finance, practical experience across different functions and the opportunity to discover where your strengths and interests lie.
Professional qualification
Alongside this practical work, you will undertake the fully funded CIPFA Level 7 Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ), the leading professional qualification for public finance specialists.
CIPFA-qualified accountants are highly valued across local government and the wider public sector. Throughout the programme, you’ll receive dedicated study support and professional development opportunities, building the technical, commercial and leadership skills needed for a successful long-term career in finance.
By the end of the programme, you’ll be well positioned to progress into qualified finance roles and future leadership opportunities across the public sector.
What you’ll gain
Your council placement and CIPFA qualification are only part of the experience. As an Impact graduate, you’ll also be part of a wider programme and peer community across local government.
You’ll have opportunities to connect with graduates in other councils, share learning, build relationships with experienced professionals and broaden your understanding of how local government works beyond your own placement.
You’ll also join a growing Finance community. Across the first three cohorts, over 100 graduates have joined authorities in London and surrounding areas, giving you a ready-made network of peers building careers in public finance.
About You
We are committed to building a diverse cohort that reflects our communities. Graduates from all backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines are welcome.
Whether you’ve studied Finance, History, Engineering, Politics, Psychology or any other subject, we’re looking for graduates who are curious, motivated and passionate about making a difference.
You don’t need previous finance experience. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your commitment to public service and your desire to develop into a future finance professional. You’ll be supported to build the knowledge and confidence you need as you progress through the programme.
The Requirements
The Finance Pathway welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. Our requirements are:
- A minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree, achieved or expected by August 2027.
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
- The right to work in the UK for the duration of the four-year programme. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas.
Please note that you can only apply for one Impact programme per year.
Applications are open, click Apply Now below!
