Finance Graduate

Gradbay Limited; Abercanaid; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company in the UK is offering a Finance Graduate Programme designed for early career professionals. This structured programme includes rotations through key finance areas like Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Accounting, with support for obtaining professional accounting qualifications. The ideal candidates have a degree in Finance or a related field and are eager to learn about the food production sector. The starting salary is £28,000, increasing to £29,500 in the second year.

Benefits

Employee discount scheme

Additional leave based on length of service

Discounted health insurance

Educational and development support

Discounts on company food products

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Any previous experience in finance, such as internships or part time roles, is helpful but not essential.
• Strong numerical ability and confidence handling large volumes of data.
• Ability to manage pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Handle invoice processing and payments while following internal controls.
• Manage customer accounts and support debt recovery.
• Assist with maintaining accurate ledgers and preparing reports.

Skills

Knowledge of accounting principles

Confidence using Excel

Familiarity with account management tasks

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Maths or related discipline

Job description

The Finance Graduate Programme is designed to give early career professionals the foundation they need to thrive in an operational finance environment. Over the course of the scheme, graduates rotate through key areas such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Accounting, and Commercial Finance. By the end of the programme, participants will have gained hands‑on experience across the finance function, with a pathway toward a formal accounting qualification.

Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable: Handle invoice processing and payments while following internal controls and accuracy standards.
• Accounts Receivable: Manage customer accounts, support debt recovery, and navigate complex pricing structures.
• Payroll: Support payroll processing for office based teams, ensuring compliance with legal and internal requirements.
• Accounting: Assist with maintaining accurate ledgers, preparing reports, and supporting month end processes.
• Commercial Finance: Help deliver financial analysis and business insights that guide commercial planning and performance.
• Process Development: Identify opportunities to streamline everyday tasks and introduce more efficient ways of working.

Graduates receive support to complete professional accounting exams, with the expectation of qualifying within three years.

Working Style: The environment is fast moving and requires adaptability, especially during early week deadlines. Work may expand or shift based on business needs.

Stakeholder Interaction: The role involves regular contact with colleagues across the UK and Ireland, as well as customers, suppliers, and internal departments.

This is a three year structured programme.

What Graduates Can Expect

• Early exposure to the company culture and the chance to work alongside experienced industry professionals.
• Rotations tailored to individual development paths, varying by site.
• A deep understanding of the company's products, brands, and commercial relationships.
• Skill building through real responsibilities, projects, and structured learning.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated mentor and a personalised development journey.
• Strong numerical ability and confidence handling large volumes of data.
• Close attention to detail and pride in producing accurate work.
• Analytical mindset and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from data.
• Clear, professional communication skills across written and verbal formats.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to contribute within a large team.
• Accountability and reliability, especially when working to tight deadlines.

The programme suits motivated graduates who want to build a career in a busy, hands on finance environment. Candidates must be comfortable travelling between sites in the UK and Ireland when required.

Requirements

Education: A degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Maths, or a related discipline.

Experience: Any previous experience in finance, such as internships or part time roles, is helpful but not essential.

Skills: Knowledge of accounting principles, confidence using Excel and finance systems, and familiarity with account management tasks.

Industry Interest: An eagerness to learn about the food production sector and the financial demands of a complex supply chain.

Personal Qualities

• Accuracy and dedication to consistent, detailed work.
• Ability to manage pressure and meet deadlines.
• Self‑motivation and the ability to work independently when needed.
• Alignment with company values and a commitment to personal growth.

Core Values Sought

• Responsibility: Taking initiative and ownership of tasks.
• Ambition: Willing to push personal goals and aim high.
• Passion for Food: Genuine interest in the industry and its products.
• Teamwork: Ability to build strong working relationships across different teams and backgrounds.

This organisation operates across the food production sector, supplying beef, lamb, and a wide range of convenience products to retailers, foodservice partners, and international markets. Alongside its processing operations, it also develops well known ready‑to‑eat brands and works closely with farming partners to support sustainable and efficient production across Europe.

Salary

£28,000, starts at £28,000, rising to £29,500 at the beginning of year two.

Benefits

• Employee discount scheme
• Additional leave based on length of service
• Discounted health insurance
• Educational and development support
• Discounts on company food products
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme