Finance Graduate Programme

Join our three-year finance programme and you’ll experience four rotations, supporting different accounting teams and developing your core finance skills. It’s a great way to understand the commercial complexity of our work and gain a clear idea of which financial area you want to continue your career in.

You’ll gain a full range of experience on a series of high profile projects. These might include preparing financial information for the Board, working with senior managers to develop budgets and forecasts or supporting the delivery of Hastings’ project portfolio and business developments. At the same time, you’ll have all the support you need to gain your ACCA qualification and develop into one of our future financial leaders.

Where you’ll be based

We’re committed to hybrid working, so you’ll need to be able to work in our Bexhill office at least eight days a month with the option and flexibility of working from home on other days.

Starting your career with us

We understand that your first graduate role should be more than just a job. Starting your career at Hastings Direct gives you the chance to make your mark in an ambitious, rapidly growing and digitally driven business. A company that genuinely cares about you as an individual, respects your opinions and listens to your ideas. One where you can make a positive difference, because you’re encouraged to look for growth opportunities and achieve your full potential. 

We aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge to progress your career. We’ll provide you with a nurturing and challenging environment to help expand your horizons, develop new skills and make new connections. 

Most of all, you’ll find all the support you need, from people at every level, so you can fulfil your ambitions. From managers who are approachable and supportive, to colleagues who are always ready to help each other out. In short, you’ll have all you need to launch a successful career.

Your rotations

On the Finance Graduate Programme, you’ll build your specialist knowledge and expertise in four nine-month rotations across six accounting teams.

  • arrow-down cross Financial Accounts
  • arrow-down cross Financial Reporting
  • arrow-down cross Business Partnership (Analyst)
  • arrow-down cross Management Reporting and Planning
  • arrow-down cross Tax
  • arrow-down cross Financial Modelling

Your professional development

We’ll give you all the professional support you need to become ACCA qualified, including broad financial experience, paid study leave and a strong support network. You’ll also be working for a company that is a Platinum ACCA Approved Employer!

You’ll also be enrolled on our early careers development programme, providing you with a suite of bespoke  sessions which develop the strengths we know graduates need to be successful at Hastings Direct. You’ll also have the opportunity to network and meet others in graduate programmes across the business.

And our inclusive, supportive culture means you’ll have a strong support network around you. From leaders to mentors, buddies to our Early Careers team, you’ll always have someone you can talk to about anything. From your future career at Hastings Direct, to where to get a coffee!

Meet some of the team

Ishita, Assistant Accountant (First Year Graduate)

In my first month at Hastings Direct as a Finance graduate, the highlight has been my role in the Financial Planning & Analysis team within the Management Reporting and Planning function. Working on the Board report has been a standout experience, allowing me to collaborate with experienced professionals and learn to present complex financial data clearly.

The inclusive culture and focus on work-life balance make Hastings a pleasant place to work. If you're passionate about finance and want to kickstart your career in a supportive and dynamic environment, Hastings Direct is worth considering – it’s given me a smooth transition into the corporate world. I'm excited about the growth opportunities ahead and contributing to the company's success.

Our recruitment process

After each stage, we’ll let you know if you’ve made it to the next one and what to expect. If you haven’t, we’ll be happy to give you feedback.

Apply

Choose the right programme for you, then just answer a couple of basic application questions and attach your CV.

Reviewing your application

We’ll review your application to see if you have what we’re looking for.

Online assessment

Your chance to show us how you evaluate, reason and conceptualise, spot patterns, solve problems and use your numerical skills to draw conclusions.

Video interview

An interview covering why you want to join us, with some technical questions.

Meet us

From producing case studies and giving presentations, to group and role-specific tasks, this is your chance to shine.

Welcome!

If you’re successful, we’ll offer you a place on one of our programmes and call you to talk through the details.

Frequently asked questions

  • arrow-down cross I already work at Hastings Direct – can I still apply?
  • arrow-down cross I don’t have a visa – can I still apply to Hastings Direct?
  • arrow-down cross Can I apply to more than one programme?
  • arrow-down cross My degree discipline is not listed on the candidate specification for the programme I am interested in, can I still apply?
  • arrow-down cross I’m a mature student/graduate – can I still apply?
  • arrow-down cross Can I apply if I’ve already graduated?
  • arrow-down cross Do I need to relocate if I’m successful?
  • arrow-down cross I have a disability, long term health or neuro-diverse condition, are you able to provide support or adjustments through the recruitment process?
  • arrow-down cross What kind of adjustments can be made?
  • arrow-down cross Is the assessment centre face to face or virtual and when will it take place?
  • arrow-down cross If I’m successful when is my starting date?

Ready to apply?

Are you ready for a graduate programme with a fast growing, digitally-focused insurance company? A business with huge ambitions to be the UK’s best and biggest digital insurer?

An organisation that focuses on profitable growth that’s truly sustainable, by doing the right thing for colleagues, customers, the community and the company – our 4Cs? Somewhere that celebrates openness and diversity by encouraging you to be yourself – and was ranked 4th in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List 2023/24?

Are you ready for a future with Hastings Direct?

Recruitment for our 2024 programmes is now closed – applications will open again in early 2025.