A GSK Finance placement offers an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience within a global healthcare leader. As a placement student, you’ll be integrated into a real-world finance team, contributing to projects that directly impact the business.
The specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the department you’re placed in. Common areas include commercial finance, manufacturing finance, R&D finance, and corporate finance. Within these areas, you might be involved in:
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting. This could involve analyzing financial data, developing models, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
- Management Accounting: Supporting the monthly closing process, preparing management accounts, and analyzing variances. You might be involved in cost accounting, inventory management, and pricing analysis.
- Tax & Treasury: Gaining exposure to tax compliance, transfer pricing, and treasury management. This could involve preparing tax returns, managing cash flow, and analyzing foreign exchange risks.
- Audit & Compliance: Assisting with internal audits, ensuring compliance with regulations, and identifying areas for improvement.
Beyond the specific tasks, a GSK Finance placement provides a fantastic learning environment. You’ll work alongside experienced finance professionals who are often eager to share their knowledge and mentor students. You can expect to develop key skills such as:
- Financial Modeling: Building and manipulating financial models using tools like Excel.
- Data Analysis: Interpreting and analyzing financial data to identify trends and insights.
- Communication: Presenting financial information clearly and concisely to different audiences.
- Problem Solving: Identifying and solving financial problems using analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds and disciplines.
Furthermore, GSK often provides placement students with access to training programs and development opportunities. This might include workshops on financial accounting, data analytics, or presentation skills. The company also emphasizes professional development, encouraging students to build their network and explore different career paths within finance.
Successfully completing a GSK Finance placement can significantly boost your future career prospects. It provides you with relevant work experience, a strong network, and valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers. Many students are even offered graduate roles at GSK after their placement. Overall, a GSK Finance placement offers a challenging, rewarding, and career-defining experience.