The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Finance Graduate Scheme
2-3 years in a rotational programme, with a Treasury rotation.Skills to master
- Understanding core financial processes, basic accounting principles, data entry accuracy, and exposure to various finance functions.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully completed a Treasury rotation, demonstrating a keen interest and aptitude.
- Strong academic performance in finance-related modules.
- Positive feedback from managers during rotations on attention to detail and analytical skills.
- 2
Accounts Assistant / Junior Accountant
2-4 years gaining experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, or General Ledger.Skills to master
- Reconciliation, payment processing, understanding of the general ledger, basic financial reporting, and working with ERP systems.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrated strong reconciliation skills and an eye for detail in previous roles.
- Expressed a clear interest in moving into cash management and understanding broader financial flows.
- Proven ability to manage deadlines and handle sensitive financial information accurately.
- 3
Back Office Operations (Banking)
3-5 years in a bank's operations team, dealing with payments, reconciliations, or client services.Skills to master
- Understanding of banking systems, payment types, swift messages, and resolving payment-related queries.
You're ready to move on when
- Deep understanding of payment processing and bank statement formats (MT940s, BAI2).
- Experience troubleshooting payment issues with clients or internal teams.
- Desire to move to the 'client side' (corporate treasury) and apply banking knowledge internally.