Stories
Have a look at these videos and stories of our current graduates:
My name is Melissa Thomas, I completed the Financial Management Graduate Scheme in July 2026.
The main reason I applied to become an NHS Wales Financial Management Graduate Trainee was because I was still unsure about what I wanted to do career wise after working for the NHS in the Healthcare Science industry for nearly two years post university. I had always excelled at mathematics during school and when I came across the scheme by chance, I was very keen to apply. It sounded like an amazing opportunity and would’ve allowed me to continue working for the NHS but in the finance sector. This was completely foreign to me at the time, but it was a career path I had considered when choosing my university degree, so I was excited at the prospect of a new challenge.
My first year on the scheme was a whirlwind and a learning curve. It consisted mainly of shorter and more frequent placements in order to obtain a firm grounding of the organisation’s finance department. I undertook placements in departments such as Payroll, Financial Accounts, Capital and more, with each placement providing a deeper insight. Overall, the NHS is such a pivotal organisation in Wales, and it was such a privilege to begin having a hand in contributing towards its day to day running behind the scenes.
My second year was predominantly spent within the Management Accounts/Finance Business Partnering sector of finance. This was across both Planned and Unplanned Care, covering a variety of services. It was refreshing to collaborate more closely with colleagues from the service itself, enabling a deeper understanding of their environment as well as learning more about mine. I believe working in tandem is one of the primary contributors to success in the NHS, so it was a thoroughly enjoyable year.
My third year on the scheme comprised longer placements of approximately three months each. I began the academic year with an external placement at Powys Teaching Health Board, where I gained insight into its unique operating model. Due to its large geographical area and dispersed population, the organisation relies heavily on commissioning services, which provided a different perspective on healthcare finance. Following this, I undertook a placement in Management Accounts, supporting the General Surgery directorate. I dedicated a significant amount of time to the budget setting process, developing a deeper understanding of financial planning and resource utilisation. I then started the new calendar year in Financial Reporting, where I contributed to the preparation of Monthly Monitoring Returns (MMRs) and monthly performance reports, ensuring that both internal and external reporting deadlines were adhered to. My final placement was within the Finance Resource Utilisation function, where I acted as a ‘critical friend' to Health Boards and Trusts by reviewing and analysing their MMR submissions. This was particularly interesting as it allowed me to apply and build on the knowledge I had gained during my Financial Reporting placement. Overall, my third year was both demanding and enriching, particularly as I balanced a full placement schedule alongside studying for and completing my ACCA Strategic Professional examinations.
My name is Gareth, I completed the Financial Management Graduate Scheme in July 2026. Before the end of the scheme I was able to secure a role within my Health Board - Hywel Dda University Health Board, as a Senior Decision Support Analyst – Value & Business Intelligence.
I came into the scheme not having any practical experience of accountancy, finance or the systems used, and although this felt daunting to begin with the scheme introduces you to the various roles and responsibilities and with the help of the teams I have been able to work within, I felt confident and knowledgeable as a financial professional even as little as a few months into the scheme.
As part of the scheme you get to rotate across all areas of finance within NHS Wales and some supporting roles as well. All the teams I have worked with have been very welcoming and more than eager to pass on their knowledge and skills of the various roles. I have always felt a vital part of the teams during placements and encouraged to give my inputs and thoughts regardless of my current skills or expertise in the area.
During my 2nd and 3rd years I got involved in more comprehensive projects including analysis of core areas of healthcare within the Healthboard to assist with improved patient outcomes, working with teams outside of Finance including Digital, Nursing and Workforce. In my 3rd year I also had the opportunity to lead on a piece of work to be presented to Executive level directors, which not only was valuable experience but gave recognition to my work during the scheme.
The scheme offers a structured comprehensive study support both within work and outside. This alongside placement experience have been key to effective studying towards the accountancy qualification.
My personal favourite aspect of the being on the scheme is the opportunities provided for graduates. Particular highlights include meeting senior officials across NHS Wales with the other graduates, where we were very fortunate to be able to get to know them on a more personal level and gain insights into their career journey, many of which started out on the scheme themselves. Also being able to participate in Finance Academy run events such as Career Events - meeting potential future applicants of the graduate scheme.
All of these aspects of the scheme including study support, placement guidance and networking has allowed myself to understand where in NHS Wales my career can take me and in securing my new current role in an area that I have particular interest and passion in.
My name is Leanne, and I am starting my third year on the Graduate Scheme in September 2026 as a Financial Management Graduate trainee at Public Health Wales.
I applied for the Financial Management Graduate Scheme as I was looking for a career change. I am not from a finance background, but my previous job role had some financial elements, which is something that I really enjoyed and wanted to explore further. The graduate scheme stood out to me as it offered excellent training and progression whilst also providing me with the opportunity to gain a professional accountancy qualification. Working for the NHS was also something that hugely appealed to me as it’s an organisation that directly benefits society so I knew the work would feel incredibly rewarding.
The thing that I love the most about working in NHS Finance is that I get to work with, and learn from, a team of skilled professionals who are helping to improve the health and improve the quality of care given to the population of Wales. I feel like I am making a positive contribution to society by embarking on this career path.
My first year on the scheme has really flown by and has been an incredibly positive experience, even if the exams have felt daunting. I came into the role with no prior experience of accountancy but as I am approaching the end of my first year, I feel confident knowing I have built a foundation of basic finance knowledge and skills from my study and placement opportunities. I have really enjoyed the rotational aspect of the placements as they have enabled me to work with different finance functions. This has given me the opportunity to learn something new from each team to further develop my finance knowledge.
During my second year on the scheme, I have had the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills developed during my first year by taking on greater autonomy and responsibility throughout my placements across a range of finance functions. These experiences have included several internal placements within my host organisation, as well as external placements with Powys Teaching Health Board and the Costing Team at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
My placement with Powys Teaching Health Board provided valuable insight into the unique challenges of delivering healthcare services across rural communities. It also enhanced my understanding of the vital role that primary and community care services play within these communities. The placement also gave me the opportunity to further develop my analytical and reporting skills by producing activity trend reports to support informed decision-making and service planning.
The best tip that I could give someone who is thinking of applying for the NHS Wales Financial Management Graduate scheme is to do some background research to see if the role is the right fit for them. The scheme requires graduates who possess certain competences and skills and for this reason, there is a rigorous recruitment process. But the process is so worthwhile as securing a place on the scheme is an incredibly invaluable opportunity