Finance Graduate Program

We are currently in the process of reviewing and enhancing our Finance Graduate Programme and will therefore not be recruiting for this Programme in 2013. We look forward to communicating the details of our refreshed programme in due course.

In order to attract, recruit and develop high-calibre individuals within Finance Management, we have developed a unique international program for Graduates and Finance Professionals in their early career which provides them with world-class opportunity and experience. It’s a fantastic chance for people with the potential and ambition to become an AstraZeneca Global Finance leader of the future.

The program is a three-year investment that offers broad professional training and work experience across diverse areas of the company, all of which carry real responsibility and opportunity for development.

As an AstraZeneca Finance Graduate, you will gain experience through a tailored scheme consisting of one-year placements that can be across any AstraZeneca Finance function. These are as diverse and challenging as you would expect from a global organisation, with placements in R&D, Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, Strategic Planning, Group Financial Reporting and Business Development.

What’s in it for You?

At AstraZeneca, we offer broad professional training, work experience and a strong network as well as an extensive understanding of the Pharmaceutical Industry. You will learn how to navigate in an international and diverse organization with numerous stakeholders. You will be given great responsibility and the opportunity to influence people and projects and to make your effort count.

A key element of the program is Leadership development. AstraZeneca has a set of core competencies that we refer to in terms of desired leadership skills. Your professional development will be supported by a strong focus on developing these core behaviors via a range of leadership development and mentoring activities.

You will gain a strong foundation within a broad set of competencies required for a career in Finance. You will develop your skills, for example within R&D Finance, Operations Finance, Commercial Operations and a range of Corporate Finance functions including audit, compliance, tax, treasury and financial reporting, just to mention a few.

We will continuously support your development as a leader through coaching, mentoring and your participation in an international Finance Graduate network within AstraZeneca.   Performance will be assessed throughout – with progression toll gates built in at the end of each year.

Placements start in September each year, and you will be based at one of our Global AstraZeneca sites.

By giving you vital industry exposure, this program is the perfect springboard to a senior position within AstraZeneca.

Performance Management and Individual Development

Your performance is reviewed and rewarded in line with the AZ Performance Planning lifecycle. Twice per year you will be reviewing your targets and your performance against these together with your Line manager. Each Graduate has an Individual Development Plan to track and follow up aspirations as well as development activities identified to fulfill your Professional role and to become a Senior Finance Professional.

A personal Career Mentor

During the final year in the scheme, you will be assigned a personal Career Mentor who is a senior Finance Professional within AZ.  You will meet this person at least quarterly. The aim is to get inspiration and senior advice when it comes to career planning and next steps. At this stage in the Program, you are about to move on to your first permanent position, and thoughts such as how to best continue to build your career after you leave the scheme can be very valuable to discuss with an experienced person who knows the organisation. 

Professional Qualification

Where appropriate AstraZeneca sponsors and supports training for you to become a CIMA Chartered Management Accountant. CIMA is the voice of global management accountancy, with over 171,000 members and students working in 16 countries. CIMA trains, supports and protects their members and students through high standards of assessment and regulation, with AstraZeneca being a recognized employee provider of these professional training schemes.

For further information on CIMA, please visit www.cimaglobal.com.

What we are looking for

First and foremost, we are looking for individuals that have strong business acumen and the ability to lead teams plus an outstanding academic record, with a BA, B.Sc or M.Sc or equivalent. You must also have evidence of meaningful work and leadership experience.

As we are a global organization, it is important that you are geographically mobile and comfortable spending time working and living overseas. Whilst initial placements would be within the country where you are normally based, there are fantastic opportunities for European and global placements later in the scheme. Hence we are looking for individuals who speak in fluent English, and additional language skills, are desirable.

Success factors

• You feel stimulated to work with pharmaceuticals and health 
• Strong leadership capabilities
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen
• You are ambitious, never give up and always have the desire to develop and learn more
• You can demonstrate that you have a strong desire to become a CFO or similar during your career
• You possess global cultural awareness and have good influencing skills
• You have the desire to make a difference and a drive to deliver maximum value
• You have well developed judgment and integrity

 

Which formal qualifications do I need?
As a minimum, a University Degree equivalent of BA, BsC, or MsC in any discipline.

When must I have graduated?

You must be finishing the same year you will start at AstraZeneca, at the latest, when you join the program in September.

 

What should I focus on in my application?
Describe extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and working experience, and show in what way you think you have the drive to be successful in AstraZeneca and why you chose the Pharma industry. Display your motivation to study for a CIMA qualification and to become a leader within AstraZeneca.

 

What should I attach with my application?
A complete CV, a cover letter and a motivation (200 words) to why you are interested in the pharma industry in general and AstraZeneca in particular. You should be prepared to give references upon request.

 

 

Can I apply for more than one graduate position?
Yes.

What should I attach if I have not yet completed my degree?
What you have so far, and then it can be attached when completed.