SC Cost Management Accountant

Unilever is currently hiring for a Supply Chain Cost Management Accountant

Function: Finance

Reports to: SC Finance Cost Management Lead

Scope: South Africa

Location: Durban

Terms & Conditions: Full-time

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

JOB PURPOSE

This role will manage all aspects of the P&L and Balance sheet within Supply Chain undertaking activities such as inventory reporting and stock controls, management of production cost in category P&L, CAPEX management, audit and controls and support Site teams on cost management. This role is required to maintain strong accounting controls aligned with the Global Financial Controls Framework (GFCF) and support the factory to deliver results aligned with pre-set targets linked to the Supply Chain KPIs. The role is also required to support the factories with financial insights to deliver key projects and business cases throughout the year, drive a cost competitive Supply Chain organisation through Sourcing Unit cost optimisation, driving the agenda on Cost per Ton downwards (Net Productivity), manage Production Budgets (factories and 3P manufacturing sites) and ensure controls on stock movements, build and manage relationships with third parties on site and driving down waste at the factory and 3P sites.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Ensure robust governance and control systems are maintained and adhered to

• Ensure adequate controls and financial hygiene of all areas at Factory.

• Ensure integrity of balance sheet and income statement with appropriate levels of checks and balances.

• Drive delivery of timely and accurate reporting requirements

• Ensure Unilever Standard Chart of Accounts compliance

• Ensure stock controls compliant with SOX

• Ensure journals, write offs and provisions are done in accordance with Schedule of Authority.

• Ensure that operational controls are working at a factory regarding the processing of credit notes.

Drive a cost competitive Supply Chain organisation through Sourcing Unit cost optimization

• Drive delivery of controllable costs by reducing the Cost Per Ton (Net Productivity)

• Deliver the business waste reduction programme for factory and its 3P

• Review, challenge and monitor all Capital Expenditure proposals (CEP) per the annual budget.

• Drive Ops to deliver the R/ton expectations at factory and the savings on Production Indirects.

• Participate in transformation project squads/ teams

Manage Production budgets and stock flows and balances.

• Annual budgets to be done in accordance with global product costing guidelines for Unilever factories.

• Update correctly the master data information for products sourced from 3P/ Collaborative

• Variance analysis of budget/forecast over and under spends done monthly.

• Ensure SAP stock errors are understood and corrected.

• Drive cost reductions in order to meet R/ton targets.

• Drive stock days on hand down through analysis and reporting.

• Manage stock in various locations on site and off site at third parties.

• Provide financial business cases for different options of sourcing.

• Co-ordinate and support the periodic forecast timetable for the supply chain team

Steer Business Performance and provide Decision support

• Provide accurate and relevant business insights by analysing available information using designated best practice tools.

• Drive and Coordinate the forecasting process to help the business make reliable decisions, includes budget, financial forecasts, etc

• Guide and support the delivery of key projects in the pipeline, whilst actively ensuring that all appropriate government incentives are maximised on.

• Report on monthly variances giving key insight in what areas need focus and where factory performance was not great.

• Consolidate and report total supply chain saving initiatives on monthly basis both on an actuals and forecasting basis. Ensure savings governance across all projects.

Experiences & Qualifications

• 2 – 3 years’ experience in Supply Chain or Factory Finance required

• Financial Acct qualification (CIMA or good progress toward CIMA or a CA is advantageous).

• Strong analytical capabilities with bias to drive action

• Ability to manage upwards

• Ability to steer conversations and influence

• Understanding or ability to quickly grasp financial principles in the end-to-end Supply Chain, identify and drive relevant value-creating choices and decisions

• Ability to handle and work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines

Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel, SAP PM/FI and PA knowledge desirable

• Digital native

• Stakeholder Management Strong work ethic, great attitude, self-starting & proactive mind-set, resilience in the face of pressure, strong team player.

Leadership

• You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way.

• As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country, and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.  

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.

This is an office-based role in Durban, La Lucia Ridge Office and requires 100% of time attendance on site.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.