Finance Graduate Apprentice - Job Opportunity at Holland & Barrett

Nuneaton, GB
Apprenticeship
Entry-level
Posted: July 17, 2025
On-site
£22,000-£26,000 annually during apprenticeship period, with potential progression to £35,000-£45,000 upon completion and permanent placement, reflecting competitive graduate finance salaries in the retail sector adjusted for comprehensive training and qualification funding.

Benefits

25% employee discount providing significant savings on health and wellness products
33 days of holiday including bank holidays exceeding UK statutory minimum
Electric car scheme supporting sustainable transportation and tax benefits
Private medical care ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage
Company pension contribution securing long-term financial stability
Exclusive retailer benefits and savings extending value beyond base compensation

Key Responsibilities

Lead preparation of critical financial reports and management information driving strategic business decisions
Contribute to enterprise-wide budget development and forecasting processes impacting company direction
Execute financial control activities including reconciliations and month-end processes ensuring operational integrity
Develop sophisticated financial models supporting commercial decision-making and profitability analysis
Identify and implement process improvements enhancing financial operations efficiency and accuracy
Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver financial insights driving measurable business value
Drive transformation projects including systems implementations and change initiatives shaping company future

Requirements

Education

2:1 or above degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline

Experience

No prior experience required - entry level graduate position

Required Skills

Strong analytical and numerical skills Confident communicator Proficiency in Microsoft Excel Effective written and verbal communication skills Teamwork, adaptability, and eagerness to learn Experience with financial software (SAP, Hyperion, etc) Financial modelling capabilities

Certifications

CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualification provided through apprenticeship program
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The health and wellness retail sector is experiencing rapid digital transformation as companies shift from traditional brick-and-mortar operations to omnichannel, data-driven business models, creating increased demand for finance professionals who can navigate complex digital revenue streams and analytics. Post-pandemic consumer behavior has accelerated growth in the wellness industry, with the UK health and wellness market expected to reach £30 billion by 2025, requiring sophisticated financial planning and analysis capabilities to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Regulatory changes in financial reporting standards and sustainability reporting requirements are driving demand for finance professionals with strong technical skills and adaptability to evolving compliance landscapes.

Role Significance

Typical finance teams in major retailers range from 50-200 professionals, with graduates working within specialized teams of 5-10 members across different functional areas during rotations, providing exposure to diverse working styles and expertise levels.
Entry-level position with accelerated development pathway designed to build senior finance capability through structured rotations and professional qualification attainment, positioning graduates for management-track roles within 3-5 years.

Key Projects

Implementation of financial automation systems and process digitization initiatives that streamline reporting and improve data accuracy Development of commercial performance analytics and category profitability models supporting strategic product and pricing decisions Cross-functional collaboration on promotional strategy analysis and marketing ROI measurement projects Sustainability reporting initiatives and ESG financial impact assessment as regulatory requirements evolve

Success Factors

Technical proficiency in financial modeling and data analysis tools enabling contribution to strategic decision-making from early career stages Strong communication skills facilitating effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders across commercial, operational, and retail functions Adaptability and learning agility essential for navigating four different functional rotations while maintaining performance standards Business acumen development through understanding of retail operations, consumer behavior, and digital commerce dynamics Project management capabilities required for contributing to transformation initiatives and system implementations

Market Demand

High demand driven by skills shortage in qualified finance professionals, particularly those with retail and digital commerce experience, combined with increased investment in financial technology and automation across the wellness retail sector.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency is fundamental for financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting tasks that form the core of daily responsibilities across all rotation areas Strong analytical and numerical skills enable effective interpretation of complex financial data and identification of business insights critical for commercial decision-making Communication skills are essential for collaborating with diverse stakeholders across retail, marketing, and operational functions, translating financial insights into actionable business recommendations Adaptability is crucial for successfully navigating four different functional rotations while maintaining performance and building relationships with new teams and managers

Beneficial Skills

Experience with financial software systems like SAP and Hyperion provides competitive advantage in technical roles and demonstrates readiness for enterprise-level financial operations Financial modeling capabilities enable contribution to strategic planning and commercial analysis projects that directly impact business performance and career advancement opportunities Project management skills support contribution to transformation initiatives and system implementations that are increasingly important in digitally-evolving retail environments Understanding of retail operations and consumer behavior enhances ability to provide relevant financial insights and build credibility with commercial stakeholders

Unique Aspects

Comprehensive four-rotation program providing unusually broad exposure to all major finance functions, accelerating professional development beyond typical graduate schemes
Fully funded professional qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) worth £15,000-£20,000, providing significant career value and immediate market credibility
Focus on digital transformation and automation projects offering exposure to cutting-edge financial technology and process innovation
Integration with one of Europe's largest wellness retailers providing unique industry expertise and career specialization opportunities
39-month duration providing extended development period compared to typical 12-24 month graduate programs, ensuring deeper skill development and qualification completion

Career Growth

Typical progression to Senior Financial Analyst level within 3-5 years post-qualification, with Finance Manager opportunities available within 5-7 years for high performers, accelerated by the comprehensive foundation provided through the structured apprenticeship program.

Potential Next Roles

Financial Analyst specializing in commercial finance, FP&A, or financial reporting with increased analytical and strategic responsibilities Senior Financial Analyst or Finance Manager roles within 5-7 years, leading teams and driving strategic financial initiatives Finance Business Partner positions working directly with senior leadership on strategic planning and commercial decisions Specialized roles in areas such as Treasury, Risk Management, or Corporate Development depending on interests and business needs

Company Overview

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett operates as Europe's largest health and wellness retailer with over 1,300 stores across multiple countries, generating annual revenues exceeding £700 million and employing approximately 4,000 people, positioning it as a dominant force in the growing wellness retail sector.

Market leader in the UK wellness retail space with strong brand recognition and customer loyalty, competing effectively against both traditional retailers and emerging direct-to-consumer wellness brands through established distribution networks and product expertise.
The Nuneaton location serves as a key operational hub supporting the company's UK retail network, providing exposure to both headquarters strategic functions and operational finance activities that directly impact store performance and customer experience.
Large retail organization culture emphasizing customer-centricity, health and wellness values, and digital transformation, with structured development programs and clear career progression pathways typical of established retail chains investing in talent development.
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