We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The Finance and Procurement teams play a crucial role in enabling the University to deliver on its strategic aims. This involves managing and maximising the University’s financial resources while providing expert financial advice and support to the wider University community.

Our responsibilities encompass a wide range of essential functions, including providing strategic business partnering, delivering value from supplier relationships, managing effective working capital and cashflow and providing key financial support for our students.

Additionally, we oversee all aspects of payroll and pensions management, and deliver comprehensive support for financial systems, tax compliance, and audit needs. Through these activities, we provide assurance to the University community around the financial health and efficiency of the University, supporting its mission and operations. 

About the Role

THIS ROLE IS FOR UNIVERSITY OF DERBY SECOND YEAR STUDENTS ONLY

This one-year Finance Placement offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the University of Derby’s Finance Department.

As part of the team, you will contribute to essential financial processes, including month-end procedures, journal entries, and ledger maintenance.

This placement is designed to provide a full year of professional experience, combining office and remote work, to enhance your graduate employability and prepare you for a future career in finance.

Please note the anticipated start date for this role is mid August 2027 with the 12 month fixed term placement taking place in the Academic Year 27/28.

About You

This opportunity is exclusively available to current second-year students at the University of Derby who are studying an Accounting or Finance related degree.

You will have a keen eye for detail, strong numerical skills, and an enthusiasm for applying your academic knowledge to real-world financial operations. A proactive and professional approach, alongside excellent communication and IT skills, will help you thrive in this role.

You should be eager to learn, adaptable to change, and committed to working collaboratively as part of a high-performing team. This placement will provide you with the practical experience needed to support your future career.

Please note that students who currently hold a Student Visa will not be eligible for this role, unless a placement year is a mandatory element of your course.

Benefits

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Andrea Musson, Payroll Team Leader via A.Musson@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 22 Nov 2026

Area: Administrative Support

Salary: £26,737 to £27,139 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £31,209.85 per annum)