Arla Foods Ltd
UK CIMA Finance Graduate Programme - Arla Foods - Leeds

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
#LI-OLPYN
Ref. 110261
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location