Graduate Programme – Accountant

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.

Graduate Programme 2026 Accountant

Ready to own your future
At Scottish Water our graduate programmes empower you to drive change, tackle real challenges and shape Scotland's future. This is more than just a launchpad for your career – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As part of our team you’ll play a key role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that help Scotland flourish every day.

You’ll be joining us at a fascinating time as we transform into a more agile, innovative organisation that delivers outstanding service, provides great value for money and works in an environmentally sustainable way that goes beyond Net Zero. Start a career that’s built for you today.

Over the three‑year programme you will rotate through a variety of placements, spending time with the Tax & Treasury function, Management Accounts, Capital Group Reporting and Technical Finance. Each experience will grow your knowledge, confidence and technical skills. With structured training, mentoring and real‑world responsibility you will develop into a capable, trusted Management Accountant.

Sponsored by Scottish Water this programme will also see you working towards a fully funded accredited qualification in either CIMA, ICAS or ACCA.

You will be working towards an Accountant role while being embedded in our Finance team supporting the delivery of clear and relevant financial information and analysis to business teams. From day one you’ll help teams track, understand, forecast and effectively control costs.

You’ll gain hands‑on experience by providing regular and ad‑hoc financial reports that help monitor and explain operating costs. You’ll support forward planning and contribute to setting financial performance targets while also developing new tracking reports and analysis tools to enhance our processes.

You’ll also work closely with stakeholders across the business, capturing and presenting both financial and non‑financial information and coaching business teams on financial policy, processes and controls, ensuring best practice is embedded across the organisation.

At the end of the programme you’ll move into a permanent role as an Accountant, where you’ll continue to make a real impact on Scotland’s water services.

You’ll be employed on a permanent contract from Day One with a starting salary of £33,000.

As you progress through the programme and reach key milestones you’ll be rewarded with salary increases. Upon completing the programme you’ll move into a permanent Management Accountant role starting from £44,030. For more details please visit the support page.

You’ll have access to both structured and informal training designed to equip you with the skills you need now and in the future.

• You’ll have graduated within the last three years (or be on track to graduate this summer) with a degree in Accountancy, Finance or a related field. We’re looking for a minimum 2:2 classification.

• You’ll need to be passionate about financial analysis, business partnering and making a positive impact every day. An understanding of accounting principles and management accounting techniques is key, as well as a desire to work towards a professional qualification. You should also be someone who works well with others, takes initiative and brings energy and enthusiasm to every challenge.

• A valid UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle may be required, as some placements will involve travel to sites across Central Scotland.

In terms of essential requirements… that’s it.

While the work we do is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work‑life balance.

You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community.

When it comes to major life events we have family‑friendly policies around adoption, maternity and parental leave. And for the everyday we…