Oliver Cunnell, Assistant Finance Manager at Northern Rail, shares insights from his graduate recruitment journey, emphasising the importance of thorough preparation, understanding the business, and seeking opportunities that challenge and develop your skills.

‍Background

I graduated from Durham University in July 2025, with a BSc Finance. Between my first and second year I worked as a Finance Assistant in the summer holiday, which gave me my first practical exposure to the profession. What really drew me towards financial planning within accountancy was the ability to use finance not just as a reporting tool but as a way of supporting the business, helping solve problems and informing decisions.

Applying for the Role

When I began looking for roles, I applied through a mixture of job boards such as Indeed and via recruiters. My CV went to at least ten employers, I interviewed at four and I eventually had two interviews plus a psychometric test before securing my current role at Northern. The graduate recruiting process nowadays is competitive, but approaching several opportunities at once gave me both practice and perspective.

Advice for Others

For anyone aiming to follow a similar path, I would recommend looking for organisations with a culture of ambition and development. Recruiters can be particularly helpful, but the best ones are those who put you forward for roles that stretch you rather than ones that would just be comfortable. Preparation is also key: read up on the company thoroughly before any interview. If you are targeting a planning-focused role, make sure you can speak confidently about business performance and current projects, as this shows you understand both the business and the role finance plays in supporting it.