Finance Fast Stream

Civil Service

Wide

Expected closing date: Thursday, 5 November 2026

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TL;DR

Key Takeaways

Gain practical experience in various finance roles within the Civil Service.
Earn between £45,000 to £55,000 upon successful completion of the 4-year scheme.
Obtain a professional accounting qualification with full support.
Locations across the UK, with postings varying by year.
Requires a 2:1 or higher in any degree subject (existing civil servants exempt).

About the Role

This is a 4-year scheme focused on developing your career in government finance.

What You'll Do

Work across varying job types in the Finance Career Framework, gaining practical experience in areas such as management accounting, financial systems and data, and finance business partnering.
Engage with senior stakeholders inside and outside of government.
Play a key role in integrating finance into the core of the decision-making process within the Civil Service.
Complete a professional accounting qualification, involving up to 16 exams and logging required experience.
Complete three one-year placements across different departments in Years 1-3.
In Year 4, undertake a six-month secondment in finance outside of central government and six months in another finance role, or complete another one-year finance posting.

Location

Postings can vary from year to year. In 2026, new fast streamers were posted to government offices in the following regions: Greater London, North East, North West, Scotland, South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. On occasion, individuals may need to move location. Postings will be aligned with your preferences where possible, but final decisions support wider business needs. You cannot choose your department or specific role.

Qualifications

You must have, or expect to receive, a 2:1 or higher in any degree subject (including degree apprenticeships).
Existing civil servants can apply without a degree.
You must successfully complete your professional accounting qualification.

Benefits

Earn between £45,000 to £55,000 upon qualification, promotion, and successful completion of the scheme.
Civil Service Pension Scheme.
Professional qualifications.
Flexible working.
Season ticket loans.
Sports and social activities.
Childcare assistance.
Access to Government Finance Function and Government Finance Academy training, events, and resources.
Cross-government projects.
A buddy and a qualified mentor.
Membership of the Finance Fast Stream Forum.
Free registration and annual membership with the professional body, tuition, paid learning materials, tuition, exams, exemption fees, and study leave.

Entry Requirements

Eligible to work in the UK.
Degree requirement as stated above.