Accountant (Part Time) - Farm of the Future in Leeds

Accountant (Part Time) - Farm of the Future in Leeds

Leeds Part-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial management for McCain's innovative Farm of the Future programme.
  • Company: Join McCain, a global leader in agriculture and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for career growth and international experience.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable agriculture while developing your finance skills.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial analysis and modelling skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

As Accountant for McCain's Farm of the Future programme in Great Britain, you'll be the dedicated finance lead and strategic business partner, providing the financial leadership, governance, reporting and commercial insight that underpins operational and strategic decision making. Your work will directly support the programme's agricultural innovation and sustainability goals. You'll be the single point of finance accountability for the farm entity, owning statutory reporting, financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, investment governance and financial business partnering.

Working closely with programme leadership and global stakeholders, you'll ensure strong financial management while providing the forward looking insight needed to drive long term value and sustainable growth.

What you'll be doing:

  • Act as the primary finance business partner to the Farm Manager and Farm of the Future leadership team, offering financial insight, analysis and recommendations that support programme objectives and strategic decisions.
  • Lead the annual budget, forecasting and long term planning processes, ensuring accurate financial projections, clear performance reporting and effective variance management.
  • Develop financial models, investment appraisals and scenario analyses to support capital investments, sustainability initiatives, technology integration projects and other strategic decisions.
  • Own the statutory reporting requirements of the farm entity, including preparing annual financial statements and tax returns, and ensuring compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, the Companies Act and other relevant regulations.
  • Manage monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting, delivering accurate results and insight driven commentary to local and global stakeholders.
  • Lead external audit activity and act as the main point of contact for auditors, HMRC, Companies House and other regulatory bodies, keeping the business audit ready and compliant at all times.
  • Develop, maintain and continually improve the farm's internal control framework, policies and financial processes to safeguard assets and ensure strong governance.
  • Manage and monitor CAPEX governance, including investment approvals, expenditure tracking, post investment reviews and reporting on capital projects.
  • Oversee day to day financial operations, including inventory control, stock reconciliations, VAT and bank reconciliations, fixed asset management, insurance reporting and financial systems administration.
  • Build strong relationships across McCain's global agriculture, sustainability, finance and innovation teams, promoting financial discipline and commercial awareness throughout the programme.

What you'll need to be successful:

  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
  • At least 5 years' post qualification experience in a finance role of similar complexity.
  • Strong understanding of UK tax regulations, IFRS, UK GAAP, Companies Act requirements and statutory reporting.
  • Experience as a finance business partner, supporting operational and strategic decision making.
  • Experience in agriculture, manufacturing, FMCG or a similarly complex operational environment would be preferred.
  • Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills.
  • Strong systems knowledge, including SAP, SAGE, OneStream, Coupa, WNS and Microsoft 365 applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex financial information for non finance audiences.

Benefits:

  • Private healthcare [single]
  • Annual bonus scheme based on both company and individual performance with the ability to salary sacrifice into your pension
  • An excellent salary sacrifice pension scheme where we'll contribute double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your salary
  • 25 days' annual leave from day one plus bank holidays (increasing with service), giving you plenty of time to recharge with the opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year
  • Life insurance cover providing peace of mind for you and your family
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, because the moments that matter outside of work matter to us too
  • Medicash health cash plan, helping you claim money back on everyday healthcare costs, with access to a virtual GP and wellbeing support
  • TELUS Health employee and family assistance programme offering full wellbeing support - including a 24/7 confidential counselling line, legal and financial guidance, and a range of employee discounts.
  • Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
  • A paid 'Chips In' Volunteering Day, giving you the opportunity to support projects that make a positive impact in our communities
  • Flexible/hybrid working arrangements where the role allows

And because you're joining a global business, your career opportunities don't stop at the factory gate. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, step into leadership, or even explore opportunities internationally, we'll support your growth. With ambitious plans for the future, there's plenty of scope to develop your career with us.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Accountant (Part Time) - Farm of the Future in Leeds employer: McCain Foods Limited

At McCain, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Agriculture ISC Finance Business Partner in Scarborough, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including private healthcare, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development, all while making a meaningful impact on our agricultural operations. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on personal growth, McCain is dedicated to supporting your career aspirations in a supportive and inclusive environment.

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Contact Details:

McCain Foods Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Accountant (Part Time) - Farm of the Future in Leeds

Connect with Campus Reps

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Get Involved in Financial Societies

Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.

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Showcase Your Skills Directly

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We think you need these skills to ace Accountant (Part Time) - Farm of the Future in Leeds

Financial Leadership
Statutory Reporting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Investment Governance
Financial Modelling
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at McCain Foods Limited and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!

Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!

Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at McCain Foods Limited. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods Limited

Brush Up on Your Numbers

For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.

Know Your Financial Products

Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!

Flexibility and Commitment are Key

Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.

Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience

Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!