Company Overview

Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, with products used daily by over 3.4 billion people in more than 190 countries. Driven by our purpose to make sustainable living commonplace, we believe that doing business the right way delivers superior performance.

At Unilever South Africa, you’ll work on some of the world’s most loved brands, contribute to communities, and help shape a better future – all in an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment.

Job Purpose

This role supports financial performance and controls at Unilever’s Lords View Factory, including P&L and balance sheet ownership, performance tracking, cost optimisation, and governance. As part of the factory’s leadership team, the role ensures sound financial stewardship, accurate forecasting, and alignment with global financial control frameworks.

You will drive financial insights, support key strategic projects, lead budgeting and CAPEX planning, and partner with supply chain and operational stakeholders to create a cost-competitive and agile organisation.

Key Responsibilities

🔍 Financial Controls & Governance

• Maintain strong accounting controls aligned with Unilever’s Global Financial Controls Framework (GFCF)

• Drive accountability for spend, forecast accuracy, and stock control across factory and 3P operations

• Ensure integrity of financial transactions (timing, value, and classification)

• Maintain balance sheet hygiene and accurate income statement recognition

📊 Planning, Forecasting & Performance

• Lead P&L forecasting and performance management in line with business targets

• Manage factory budgeting process in accordance with global product costing guidelines

• Deliver timely, accurate reporting and variance analysis

• Conduct cost driver analysis for fast decision-making and resource allocation

• Drive performance tracking against business cases

⚙️ Operational Finance & Optimisation

• Drive net productivity agenda and waste reduction across factory and 3P sites

• Evaluate SKU sourcing options (factory vs 3P vs import)

• Review, challenge, and track Capital Expenditure Proposals (CEPs)

• Lead benchmarking initiatives to ensure competitive production costs

• Support stock management on- and off-site

📈 Strategic & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as finance partner to production teams, factory leads, and supply chain stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with Unilever’s Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA)

• Assist with internal and external audits, including SOX testing

• Lead automation and continuous improvement initiatives in factory finance

Qualifications & Experience

🎓 Education:

• A 3-year tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, or related field is required

• CIMA, CA(SA), or progress towards qualification is highly advantageous

💼 Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant finance experience in a factory, supply chain, or manufacturing environment

• Proven exposure to cost control, forecasting, reporting, and stakeholder engagement

Skills & Competencies

Technical:

• Advanced Microsoft Excel

• SAP (FI/CO, PM, PA modules) proficiency preferred

• Solid grasp of financial principles across end-to-end supply chain

• Understanding of Unilever’s SCOA, GFCF, and SOX compliance frameworks

Behavioural:

• Strong analytical mindset with a bias for action

• Excellent time management and ability to manage priorities

• High resilience, self-leadership, and accountability

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• Agile, detail-oriented, and innovative in approach

Leadership & Culture

Unilever’s Standards of Leadership (SOL):

• Passion for High Performance: Owns results with data-driven decision-making

• Personal Mastery: Builds resilience and delivers high standards

• Consumer Love: Always seeks better ways to serve people

• Purpose & Service: Leads with humility and serves teams

• Agility: Curious, open to learning, and future-focused