CIMA Finance Graduate Programme, Arla - Leeds

Arla Foods UAE, Oman & Qatar; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company based in Leeds is offering a Finance Graduate Programme for ambitious individuals to develop their careers in finance. Candidates will rotate across various finance functions, gain CIMA qualifications, and enjoy hybrid working along with numerous benefits. This three-year programme is designed to nurture future finance leaders in the food industry.

Benefits

Funding for CIMA qualifications

Paid study leave

26 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Free onsite gym

6% matched pension contributions

Life assurance

Retailer discounts

Professional training and career development

Cheese hamper at Christmas

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a degree in any discipline.
• Demonstrated ambition, motivation, and a passion for finance.
• Highly computer-literate and able to analyze complex data.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across different finance functions.
• Contribute to annual projects and perform analysis.
• Work cross-functionally with various departments.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Data analysis

Education

Degree level education (minimum 2:1)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Location: Leeds, GB

Are you ready to launch your finance career in a global organisation, gain CIMA qualifications, and make a real impact in one of the UK’s leading FMCG businesses?

On our Finance Graduate Programme, you’ll rotate across different finance functions, gaining hands-on experience and the support you need to grow as a future finance leader.

How You Will Make An Impact

Join Arla Foods in Leeds for a three-year graduate programme designed to develop talented individuals for future leadership roles in our Finance Team. You’ll rotate between key business areas, building skills in business partnering, data & digital, and business development—all while working cross-functionally and leading impactful projects.

• Take ownership of annual projects and perform deep analysis to support the Finance function
• Work cross-functionally with dynamic sales, marketing, and senior leadership teams
• Develop expertise in business partnering, data & digital transformation, and commercial development
• Contribute fresh ideas to drive continuous improvement across finance operations
• Network with fellow graduates and participate in tailored training events and mentoring

What Will Make You Successful

Professional Profile: You will have a strong academic background, educated to degree level (minimum 2:1) in any discipline, demonstrating ambition, motivation, and a clear passion for building a finance career in the food industry. You possess excellent organisational and project management skills, coupled with outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities. Highly computer-literate, you are adept at analysing complex data and creating compelling presentations that drive decision-making.

Personal Profile: You are an analytical thinker who transforms insights into actionable improvements, a collaborative team player comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels, and a detail-oriented, proactive individual who drives projects forward and takes ownership of outcomes.

We work closely together as a team and promise you a steep learning curve, with colleagues around you to cheer, support, and challenge you every day.

What Do We Offer?

• 3 year contract designed to build your experience in a finance functions
• Funding for your CIMA qualifications
• You will receive paid study leave
• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Hybrid working—mix of home and Leeds office
• Free onsite gym
• 6% matched pension contributions
• Life assurance (4× if enrolled in pension, 2× if not)
• Major retailer discounts via My Benefits portal
• Commitment to professional training and career development
• Cheese hamper at Christmas!

Would You Like to Join Us?

If you’re ready to build your finance skills and grow with Arla, please apply by midnight on 05.10.2025.

Recruitment Process

• Feedback from your application will be between the 6th and 12th of October
• If successful at application stage, video interviews will be between the 6th and 27th of October
• Our in-person assessment centre will be on the 11th of December 2025
• Decision will be made within 2 working days of the assessment

Successful graduates will commence employment in September 2026.

For more information, please contact Oliver Hickson-Burr – Talent Partner.

Shape the Future of Dairy: Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We’re passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future. We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.