Assistant Accountant
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Contract: 12 months
About Musgrave
Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family‑owned businesses, with a rich 150‑year legacy in food and brand innovation. We serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands such as SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank, Honest and Musgrave MarketPlace. We are committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland and are looking for dynamic, forward‑thinking individuals to join us.
Role Purpose
The Profitability Assistant Accountant supports the Company Owned Profitability Manager in enhancing the profitability of stores through stock loss review, procurement projects and other cost‑saving initiatives.
Role Scope
This role works both in the office and on the field, attending stores regularly to assist with commercial analysis. It supports the Company Owned Profitability Manager and Commercial Manager in financial and management reporting for the 43‑store estate (23 SuperValu and 20 Centra) as of September 2025.
What you’ll be doing
* Review, benchmark and budget gross margin.
* Daily review of fuel margin with stores to maximize profit.
* Assist with key procurement projects and liaise with Musgrave divisions.
* Support capital expenditure proposals for store refurbishments.
* Assist payroll benchmarking with Operations.
* Maintain a contracts database to identify savings opportunities.
* Review spend on non‑resale goods for cost savings.
* Contribute to business cases for refurbishment of existing stores.
* Monthly review of electricity usage.
* Develop reporting and financial assessment tools to improve bottom‑line profit.
* Support Commercial Efficiency Projects such as Electronic Labels and Fuel Management Software.
* Assist with quarterly stock counts; may require work outside normal hours including weekends.
* Investigate and understand stock loss variances across the estate.
* Other projects and ad‑hoc work as required.
Measures of Success
* Improved stock reporting and reduced stock loss.
* Timely roll‑out of procurement projects with significant cost savings.
* Timely completion of business cases.
* Improved gross margin.
* Enhanced profitability for Company Owned and individual stores.
What we’re looking for
* Part‑qualified accountant studying for membership of a professional body (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
* Evidence of preparing and presenting high‑standard analysis to finance and non‑finance audiences.
* Strong initiative and achievement‑oriented approach to results.
* Full driving licence with access to a vehicle insured for business use.
* Inquisitive mindset, open to new ideas, and ability to engage fully with all business operations.
* Strong communication and presentation skills.
* Good Excel skills.
* Good interpersonal skills.
Desirable
* Business degree or diploma.
* Accounting experience in the retail/wholesale sector.
* Commercial experience, especially in preparing and presenting reports and analysis.
* Experience in procurement projects and securing lowest‑cost solutions.
* Experience working in a fast‑paced commercial environment.
* Exposure to financial systems such as Oracle and NAV.
* Knowledge of the FMCG industry.
* Commercial acumen.
* Highly systems‑oriented and literate.
Why Musgrave
Career Development: Commitment to personal and professional growth with opportunities for advancement and learning.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team where your contributions make a significant impact.
Innovation Focus: We value forward‑thinking solutions.
Community Focus: We truly value our communities and strive to make a positive impact.
Legacy: Join a company with a long‑standing commitment to community and innovation.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and join us in creating a future where business success and positive change go hand in hand.
Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.
Musgrave operates a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.
Job Details
Seniority Level: Internship
Employment Type: Contract
Job Function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industry: Retail
J-18808-Ljbffr