UK CIMA Finance Graduate Programme - Arla Foods - Leeds

Want to become a qualified finance professional while helping shape the future of one of the world's largest dairy businesses?

At Arla, we're looking for ambitious graduates ready to build the skills, experience and commercial mindset needed to become the next generation of finance leaders.

Over three years, you'll gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of our Finance function, studying towards your CIMA qualification while working on real business challenges that influence decision-making across the organisation. From partnering with commercial teams to driving data-led insights and business performance, you'll develop the expertise, confidence and network needed to accelerate your career in a global FMCG business.

How you will make an impact

Join Arla Foods in Leeds on a structured three-year graduate programme designed to develop future finance talent through meaningful experiences, professional qualifications and exposure to senior stakeholders across the business.

• Deliver financial analysis, performance insights and recommendations that support key business decisions


• Partner with colleagues across Finance, Sales, Marketing and Operations to drive commercial performance and strategic initiatives


• Build expertise across business partnering, data & digital finance, financial planning and business development through rotational placements


• Lead and contribute to improvement projects that enhance processes, efficiency and ways of working across the Finance function


• Develop your professional network through graduate events, mentoring opportunities and collaboration with senior leaders

What will make you successful

You will be educated to degree level (minimum 2:1) in any discipline and be excited by the opportunity to pursue a professional career in finance. We are looking for individuals with strong intellectual curiosity, a commercial mindset and the ambition to continuously develop their capabilities.

You enjoy analysing information, solving problems and turning insights into actions. You communicate effectively, build strong relationships and feel comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders. You are proactive, organised and motivated to take ownership of your development while contributing to the success of the wider team.

Most importantly, you'll be eager to learn, ready to challenge yourself and excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact from day one.

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?

This programme has been designed to provide the foundations for a successful long-term career in finance. Alongside funded professional qualifications, you'll gain broad business exposure, meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to build your career within a global organisation owned by farmers.

We offer a three-year graduate contract, full funding for your CIMA qualification, paid study leave, 26 days' holiday plus bank holidays, hybrid working, a free onsite gym, 6% matched pension contributions, life assurance, access to retailer discounts through our My Benefits platform and a strong commitment to professional development and internal career progression.

Would you like to join us?

If you're looking for a graduate programme that combines professional qualifications, real business impact and clear career development within a global FMCG leader, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply by midnight on 30th September 2026.

Successful graduates will commence employment in September 2027.

For more information, please contact Olivia Pine, Talent Acquisition Partner at Arla Foods.

Shape the Future of Dairy 

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about. 

 
 
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