Operational Accountant

Young's Seafood; Coalville; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Coalville is seeking an Operational Accountant to join their finance team. This role supports financial and operational processes and offers opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with advanced Excel skills, strong communication capability, and a proactive approach. Benefits include life insurance, health programs, and on-site parking.

Benefits

Life insurance and company pension

Health & wellbeing programme

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Must be a fully qualified accountant.
• Advanced skills in MS Excel are essential.
• Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders are required.

Responsibilities

• Support Plant Lead, Finance in reporting tasks.
• Reconcile actual gross margin to Commercial Reporting Suite.
• Prepare high-quality CAPEX proposals for Board approval.

Skills

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)

Advanced MS Excel skills

Strong communication and business partnering skills

Detail-oriented

Proactive and hands-on

ERP systems and financial reporting software proficiency

Job description

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Operational Accountant to join our finance team based at our Coalville site. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong grounding in finance who is looking to build their experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Working closely with colleagues across operations, you'll support key financial and operational processes and contribute to continuous improvement across the business.

The Ideal Candidate

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) - essential
• Advanced MS Excel skills, including spreadsheet creation and financial functions
• Strong communication and business partnering skills; able to influence non-financial stakeholders
• Detail-oriented, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Proactive, hands-on, and committed to continuous improvement
• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in ERP systems and financial reporting software
• Food manufacturing experience highly desirable

Why Sofina Foods?

• Online benefits platform
• Life insurance and company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Support Plant Lead, Finance in weekly/monthly reporting, including Plant Continuous Improvement (CI) reports and insights.
• Provide cover for Plant Lead, Finance during annual leave.
• Reconcile actual gross margin (P&L) to Commercial Reporting Suite; investigate and explain variances.
• Prepare accurate, high-quality CAPEX proposals for Board approval.
• Ensure accuracy in operational reporting and analysis; attend meetings to identify improvements, propose solutions, and track actions.

Key reporting areas

• Yield and labour efficiency
• SKU mix impact on yield, labour, and expenses
• Labour and operational expenses
• Inventory balances and Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) trends
• AFE review and tracking vs. approved plans
• Cost savings initiatives - idea development and performance tracking
• Lead analysis and reporting of Research & Development claims for the plant.