At a Glance
- Tasks: Support plant leadership with financial insights to drive operational performance and cost control.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a leading European food business committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Opportunities for career growth, exposure to leadership, and a diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Full accountancy qualification or relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and ERP knowledge.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The 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
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at Sofina Foods. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your analytical skills and Excel prowess. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles – it’s all about showing you can translate numbers into insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; highlight your experience in FMCG or manufacturing environments. Share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to cost control or operational improvements in previous jobs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Sofina team and being part of our mission to innovate in the food industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Operations Accountant in London
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 role and how you can contribute to our team at Sofina Foods. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our business.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 cost savings or improved efficiency.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Do some homework on Sofina Foods and their operations. Understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food industry. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the company and its values.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since advanced Excel skills are crucial for this role, make sure you're comfortable with functions, pivot tables, and data analysis techniques. You might even want to prepare a quick demonstration of your skills if the opportunity arises during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to reconcile discrepancies or improve operational performance. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.