Lead Operations Accountant

Chase and Holland; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent FMCG organization located in Cookstown is seeking a dynamic Lead Operations Accountant to join its leadership team. This role focuses on financial insights that shape operational success while working closely with site leadership. Key responsibilities include reporting, cost control analysis, and leading initiatives for continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will be CIMA, ACCA, or ACA qualified, or QBE with experience in FMCG or manufacturing environments, and strong Excel skills. The role offers great opportunities for career development and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Exceptional career development opportunities

Defined contribution pension scheme (8% employer)

Healthcare scheme

Enhanced Sick Pay

25 days + bank holidays

Qualifications

• CIMA, ACCA or ACA Qualified Accountant or strong QBE.
• Experience in FMCG or manufacturing with high volume.
• Strong ability to explain financial information to non-finance managers.

Responsibilities

• Supporting weekly and monthly plant reporting.
• Acting as cover for the Plant Lead during annual leave.
• Reconciling gross margin in the P&L and investigating variances.
• Partnering with operations to improve labour efficiency.
• Delivering analysis on SKU mix impacts.
• Producing reporting on labour costs and operational expenses.
• Preparing high-quality CAPEX proposals for Board approval.

Skills

CIMA, ACCA or ACA Qualified Accountant

Experience in FMCG or manufacturing

Strong Excel skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Continuous improvement mentality

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Lead Operations Accountant - Cookstown - Up to £70,000

Chase & Holland are excited to be working with a FMCG organisation that boasts impressive market share, who are looking for a dynamic, continuous improvement focused Lead Operations Accountant to join their passionate leadership team. As an experienced Operations or Management Accountant, you'll be the financial heartbeat of the site—leading a small, capable finance team and working closely with site leadership to deliver insights that genuinely shape our commercial and operational success.

You will report directly to the Plant Lead, you will have the responsibility and freedom to make your mark. This role sits at the heart of operations, translating yield, labour, cost and stock data into clear insight that supports better decision‑making. You'll work closely with both the Plant Operations Team and the Commercial Team, helping the site deliver margin improvement, cost control and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast‑paced FMCG environment.

Package & Benefits

• Our client will offer a great chance to work in a fast‑growing sector of their business and a real opportunity to make a difference
• Exceptional career development opportunities
• Defined contribution pension scheme (8% employer) and life assurance
• Healthcare scheme
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• 25 days + BH's

Lead Operations Accountant responsibilities will include:

• 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

Required Skills & Experience

• CIMA, ACCA or ACA Qualified Accountant (or strong QBE)
• You will need to have worked ideally in FMCG or manufacturing with high volume
• Ability to explain financial information to non‑finance managers in a way they understand
• IT literate including ERP systems and strong experience on Excel (pivots, lookups)
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Track record of delivery and a continuous improvement mentality

If you are interested in this great Lead Operations Accountant role, please apply now.