At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare monthly management accounts and analyse factory performance.
- Company: Join Lakeland Dairies, a leading dairy processor in Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work with cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with a global reach.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in management accounting.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties. With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state‑of‑the‑art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
Applications are invited for the position at our Artigarvan site.
The Role
Reporting directly to our Group Head of Finance, our new Site Accountant will play a key role in our Artigarvan‑based finance team. Key responsibilities will include (not limited to):
- Preparation of monthly management accounts, including all aspects of gross margin and overhead analysis.
- Providing detailed analysis of factory performance and investigating reasons for variance against budget and prior year.
- Analyse operational overheads and deal with any subsequent queries from factory managers.
- Hold full responsibility for the balance sheet accuracy at each month end.
- The preparation and presentation of the annual budgets and any rest of year forecasts as required.
- Support and liaise with the factory manager with a view to optimising performance and controlling cost across all areas of the site.
The Person
This role requires applicants to be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA), with substantial experience of working as a management accountant, preferably from within a manufacturing environment. Applicants will require excellent computer skills, particularly in the use of Excel, and also ERP systems (SAP) for financial analysis and reporting, good analytical skills, the ability to work under pressure and have excellent communication skills. A confident approach and the ability to present key information to senior stakeholders are other essential elements of this rewarding role.
If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this challenging opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast‑moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Application Process
To apply for this role, please complete an online application via the attached hyperlink by no later than Monday 22nd June 2026. Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at recruitmentni@lakelanddairies.com.
Accountant employer: Lakeland Dairies
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Artigarvan site where innovation meets tradition in dairy processing. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, competitive remuneration, and a culture that values inclusivity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for accountants looking to grow their careers in a leading organisation within the agricultural sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lakeland Dairies. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lakeland Dairies.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lakeland Dairies's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lakeland Dairies
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lakeland Dairies.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lakeland Dairies will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lakeland Dairies employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
