Finance Associate- Finance & Performance- Leeds at Arla Foods

How you will make an impact

As a Finance Associate (Finance & Performance), you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality financial insight and supporting business leaders across Commercial and the wider organisation. You’ll take ownership of core forecasting and reporting processes, drive cost discipline, and act as a trusted finance partner- enabling informed, data-driven decision making. Key responsibilities include;

• Lead the monthly forecasting cycle including loading, validating, and reconciling forecast data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment to Zone and Group requirements.
• Review and control SG&A costs, ensuring accurate monthly figures that support effective decision-making, while partnering with stakeholders to identify risks, opportunities, and improvement actions.
• Oversee cost control and financial compliance in areas such as Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
• Deliver clear, timely, high-quality reporting that enables strong operational and commercial decision-making.
• Act as a trusted finance partner, providing proactive guidance, challenging assumptions, and continuously improving forecasting and reporting processes.

What will make you successful?

Whether you’ve recently completed a finance qualification or graduate programme (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or are soon to be qualified, we’d love to hear from you.

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring a strong analytical mindset and a passion for turning data into meaningful financial insight. You’ll work confidently with stakeholders across functions- challenging constructively and communicating clearly- while applying solid financial acumen o support decision-making. Your strong Excel skills and understanding of financial processes, gained through hands-on experience or placements, will help you make an immediate impact as you continue to grow.

What do we offer?

We’re committed to supporting your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits.

Would you like to join us?

Please apply directly or contact Olivia Pine, Talent Acquisition Partner at Arla Foods, for more information. The closing date for this position is the 17th February 2026 and only CV’s sent directly via the link will be considered.