Finance Placement

Help keep taps flowing and toilets flushing across the North West

At United Utilities, we’re not only essential service providers to over 7 million customers across the region but we’re also at the forefront of tackling some of the biggest climate and environmental challenges in a generation. All our people are essential in achieving our net zero targets and creating a more resilient North West.

It's a big job and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly for our customers. From operating our pipes and improving water quality, to embracing new technologies and safeguarding the local environment - whether you're in our head office or out on site, there's always plenty going on. Our internship programmes will give you the opportunity to learn first-hand how we make this happen.

We have been awarded with a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, recognising the Best Places to Work in 2020. We were ranked #19 company in the UK, based solely on the input of employees, who provide feedback on their jobs, work environments and companies on Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites.

You will be joining the United Utilities family of over 5,000 employees who all help to provide great service for our 7 million customers.

Role Overview

On our one year placement, you’ll get both technical training and personal development opportunities that will equip you with the skills you need to grow, thrive and succeed in your career.

You will be entrusted with graduate-level responsibilities and spend the balance of your time working alongside an established finance team of over 120 employees, who have a great track record in delivering strong financial results.

You’ll develop your understanding of how our critical finance function supports United Utilities in helping life flow smoothly for our seven million customers across the North West. You will gain opportunity to work with and gain experience in financial accounting, management accounting and business decision-making.

As your internship progress there will be substantial scope to take on additional responsibilities as you gain more experience.

Don't worry, we won't throw you in at the deep end. You'll have mentors and managers with you as you progress through your placement and support you as you work towards your personal development goals.

What we are looking for

• You will be on track for a minimum of a 2:1 in your degree and undertaking a placement year during your studies at university.

• You should possess excellent written and interpersonal skills and have the ability to communicate and influence across multiple stakeholder groups.
• You must be highly computer literate and be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• You should be able to be comfortable working flexibly across a range of tasks and activities to deadlines, be able to prioritise your time.
• You should possess the resilience and determination to succeed in a commercial/competitive environment.

Benefits

Don't worry, you won't be going it alone. Your mentor and manager will work with you as you progress through your placement and support you as you work towards your personal development goals.

When you join our Intern Scheme you'll receive a good salary, and you'll also be eligible for a bonus of up to 7.5%.

You get 26 days holiday to take during your placement, and at our fantastic Lingley Mere site we have an onsite gym, coffee shops and other great facilities. And while access to an award-winning pension scheme might not be top of your priorities right now, responsible employers like us make sure you get one anyway - you'll pay 5% in to your pot and you'll get an extra 10% from the company. And that's not the only way to save, as you'll be able to buy company shares as part of the employee share buy scheme.

Internship Duration

12 months

How to apply

All roles will be advertised on our United Utilities Career's Page. Roles will be advertised on selected University portals to encourage applications. All applications will need to be completed online through the United Utilities Careers Page.

We need fantastic people to enable us to deliver a great service to the public. We are committed to reaching and recruiting from every community and then supporting employees to achieve their full potential ensuring they feel valued and included, regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, or social background.

If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from the Disclosure Scotland / the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview at our head office in Warrington during the week commencing 27 May 2024.