From inflationary pressures and shifting consumer preferences to advances in sustainable packaging and the digital transformation of supply chain, the multinational food and beverage (F&B) sector is navigating a period of intense change. Globally, the market generated more than US$6.6 trn in 2024, according to The Business Research Company, and F&B remains one of the most resilient of all industries, underpinned by the universal demand for food and drink.
For finance professionals, it offers a wealth of career opportunities, combining commercial complexity, international exposure and the chance to contribute to a sector with a clear social purpose. In a volatile world, the sector also offers stability, international scope and the opportunity to influence strategic decisions that affect millions of consumers daily. For those who can combine technical expertise with commercial insight, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning, it is a field that promises both professional growth and personal fulfilment.
Shahzad Jawaid FCCA, treasury and compliance analyst at Nestlé’s HQ in Switzerland, is drawn to global F&B for its unique combination of purpose, innovation, and opportunity. ‘Food is a universal need – its essential nature provides a stable foundation for long-term career growth, while offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives every day,’ he says.
‘The finance function at a global F&B HQ is a strategic nerve centre’
Career scope
Few industries match the breadth of the F&B sector. From packaged products to nutrition, health science and pet care, the range of categories it covers is vast, and the supply chains that underpin them are highly complex and global in nature. This operational diversity creates varied and specialist finance needs.
‘The finance function at a global F&B HQ is more than just number crunching; it’s a strategic nerve centre that enables informed decision-making across the business,’ says Jawaid. Service lines span procure to pay, order to cash, treasury, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), tax and compliance, and record to report, each of which is integral to managing a company’s financial health and performance.
‘Sustainability is not just a trend, it’s a strategic priority’
With procurement, logistics, operations and marketing all requiring their input, finance teams are deeply embedded across the organisation. Increasingly, they use digital tools and analytics to automate transactional tasks and deliver predictive insights, freeing up capacity for value-adding, strategic work.
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of the F&B sector is its combination of commercial opportunity and social impact. From plant-based product innovation to regenerative agriculture, companies are aligning their strategies with global sustainability goals.
‘Sustainability is not just a trend, it’s a strategic priority,’ Jawaid says. ‘Working on initiatives that reduce food waste, support regenerative agriculture or enhance circular packaging systems allows professionals to be part of transformative change.’
Getting in and getting on
A professional accounting qualification such as ACCA remains a strong foundation, providing both technical finance expertise and broader business acumen. Jawaid says his ACCA qualification was ‘instrumental’ in giving him the versatility to work across industries and functions, and the confidence to contribute from day one.
Specialist certifications can help professionals tailor their career path. Increasingly, credentials in AI, data analytics or sustainability are valued for their practical application to decision-making in finance.
Hands-on experience is essential. Leading digital transformation projects, implementing new financial systems, managing cross-border teams or overseeing compliance in multiple jurisdictions can all differentiate candidates in a competitive market.
Senior leaders advise on decisions that shape global markets
For those starting out, entry-level roles may involve daily operations, such as recording, bookkeeping, and reconciliation. Mid-level professionals often move into performance monitoring, cost tracking or compliance-focused positions. Senior leaders typically steer financial strategy, scenario planning and investment evaluation, advising executive teams on decisions that shape global markets.
Jawaid’s own role illustrates the sector’s variety. As part of Nestlé’s HQ treasury team, he prepares reports, analyses net financing costs, monitors counterparty risk and coordinates the treasury operational plan. He also does compliance work, managing legal and regulatory documentation for international banking relationships. ‘This work is critical to ensure strong governance, regulatory alignment and effective risk management,’ he says.
Skills
The technical foundations for finance roles in F&B mirror those across other sectors: strong analytical ability, data interpretation, performance tracking and risk assessment. Roles in FP&A, treasury and corporate finance all rely on these skills, enhanced by commercial awareness and curiosity.
Soft skills are equally important. The ability to distil complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders is highly valued, as are negotiation and influencing abilities when working with suppliers, investment partners or internal teams. Resilience and adaptability are vital in an industry that must respond quickly to regulatory shifts, supply chain disruptions and changes in consumer demand.
You need to be comfortable with automation, analytics and AI
Technology is now core to the role. Finance professionals are expected to be comfortable with automation tools, big data analytics and AI-powered forecasting. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 39% of core skills will change by 2030, with analytical thinking, technological literacy and emotional intelligence among the most in demand.
The sector’s scale and complexity mean finance professionals can progress within F&B or transfer their skills to other industries. Experience in cost structures, pricing models and cross-border operations is readily transferable to consulting, banking, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and beyond.
Some move into private equity or investment banking roles focused on consumer goods, agribusiness or supply chain-intensive industries. Others take on public policy or non-profit roles linked to food security, trade or sustainability. Entrepreneurial opportunities also abound in food tech, agritech and health-focused consumer brands.
More information
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