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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial control and drive operational performance in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a leader in quality meats and seafood with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunities for career growth, skill development, and a diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operations while building a long-term finance career.
- Qualifications: Full accountancy qualification or relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and ERP knowledge.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to sustainability and customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Role
Our new Operations Accountant will act as a trusted finance partner to the Plant Leadership team, supporting strong financial control and driving operational performance across the Cookstown site. Reporting to the Plant Lead, Finance, this role sits at the heart of operations, translating yield, labour, cost and stock data into clear insight that supports better decision‑making. You will work closely with both the Plant Operations Team and the Business Performance Team, helping the site deliver margin improvement, cost control and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast‑paced FMCG environment. Please note this is an on‑site role, based in Cookstown.
The Ideal Candidate
- Full accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or Qualified by experience
- Experience within an FMCG or manufacturing environment
- Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel skills
- Experience working with ERP and planning systems (SAP, Anaplan or similar advantageous)
- A track record of managing tasks or projects through to completion
- Confidence working with operational data and translating it into clear insight
Company Information
Sofina Foods isn’t just a food company - It’s a place to build your future. With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we’re passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world. Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents. Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.
Why Sofina Foods?
At Sofina Foods, you’ll be part of a growing European food business with a strong commitment to developing its people. This role offers genuine exposure to site leadership, opportunities to influence how the business operates, and a platform to build a long‑term finance career within a complex and evolving organisation.
Equal Opportunities
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Supporting weekly and monthly plant reporting, including preparation and analysis of Plant Continuous Improvement (CI) reports
- Acting as cover for the Plant Lead, Finance during periods of annual leave
- Reconciling gross margin in the P&L to the Commercial Reporting Suite, investigating and clearly explaining variances
- Partnering with operations to improve labour efficiency, yield performance and effective cost control
- Delivering detailed analysis on SKU mix impacts across yield, labour and operational costs
- Producing and maintaining reporting on labour costs, operational expenses and inventory balances, including DIO trends
- Supporting AFE reviews and tracking spend against approved project plans
- Preparing high‑quality, right‑first‑time CAPEX proposals for Board approval
- Leading analysis and reporting for plant Research & Development claims
- Identifying, developing and tracking cost‑saving initiatives, including performance against targets
- Attending operational meetings to challenge performance, generate improvement ideas and support delivery of agreed actions
Lead Operations Accountant employer: Sofina Foods, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Sofina Foods, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Operations Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Sofina Foods on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of FMCG operations. Be ready to discuss how your analytical skills can drive performance improvements and cost control at the Cookstown site.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel wizardry! Bring examples of how you've used advanced Excel skills to analyse data and support decision-making in previous roles. This will highlight your fit for the Operations Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Sofina Foods team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Operations Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Lead Operations Accountant. Highlight your accountancy qualifications and any relevant experience in FMCG or manufacturing environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t shy away from showcasing your advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems. Give us examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making in past roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the food industry and how you can contribute to our mission at Sofina Foods. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods, Inc.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Operations Accountant, you'll be dealing with a lot of financial data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare specific examples where your insights led to improved performance or cost savings.
✨Familiarise Yourself with FMCG Dynamics
Since this role is in a fast-paced FMCG environment, make sure you understand the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector. Research Sofina Foods and their operations to show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company’s mission and values.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Advanced Excel skills are a must for this position. Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview. You might be asked to solve a problem or analyse a dataset on the spot, so practice common Excel functions and shortcuts to impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've partnered with operations or other departments to achieve common goals. Emphasising your ability to communicate effectively will show that you can be a trusted finance partner.