Levant & Iraq CD Finance Business Partner

Job Description

Company Profile:At Unilever you are more than your job title, you are part of the world?s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us.We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann?s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry?s, The Dollar Shave Club and Surf.Be part of the most successful purpose-led business in the world. Have the opportunity to see the true impact that you?re having in the work you do - every small thing counts.Business Context and Main Purpose of the JobThe main purpose of the role is to provide robust financial analysis and support to business to unlock value within proper control framework and governance, in addition to coordinating with the appropriate business stakeholders to ensure accurate forecasting and delivery of result across full P&L. There will be an emphasis on control compliance, information management, process improvement, simplification and automation where possible.Main AccountabilitiesThe Senior Finance Business Partner will have the following accountabilities:Finance Business Partnering:

• Provide challenge to S&OP process driving towards a high degree of alignment between volume and value and supporting the business with the identification of risks and opportunities
• Communicate and manage BU targets at total level, and at category & customer / channel level
• Own and drive the Gross Margin improvements including working with the BU Head of Finance on planning, forecasting, and risk management around overall GM delivery
• Support business decision making through robust financial analysis and deep knowledge of financial operation and expertise
• Develop frameworks to guide sales and marketing team to optimize spending
• Develop business cases to launch new products and business models
• Main liaison for business with other finance functions, such as fixed asset team, tax team, etc?

Performance Management and Reporting:

• Develop close working relationships with senior stakeholders in business to ensure alignment of monthly forecast and ensuring accurate delivery of result as per monthly financial forecast
• Guide business towards target delivery through budget control and other business decisions as needed
• Be the contact point for the business to help interface with local finance on reporting of results, ensuring timely and accurate submissions
• Analysis, insight and control over targets and actual performance measures
• Information management, process simplification and automation

Process ownership and delivery

• Prepare the total BU forecast & individual category forecasts (assumptions, risks, opportunities, cash up) on a monthly / quarterly basis, prepare supporting analysis and participate in review of these forecasts with the relevant Marketing Leads and their Finance Leads and with the Country Leadership Team
• Act as the Finance champion of forecast bias and accuracy
• Build and actively use a network of finance peers across Unilever to both share and adopt good practices on Planning & Forecasting
• Lead total BU review of the short-term customer forecasts against customer targets & ambition, and support the CD Bus. Ops. Leads in presenting the outlook, key issues to be addressed, and recommended corrective actions at the monthly S&OP meeting
• Own, prepare and submit the monthly BU and any quarterly BMI forecasts
• Lead the operations that would enable Prepare and post judgemental BMI-related journal entries and accruals on monthly basis, including cross-charges
• Provide commentary and analysis around BMI accruals balance sheet account
• Train Marketing counterparts on the local system, BMI accounting and BMI reporting
• Prepare regular pricing reporting to the CD and Marketing functions to develop insights via these reports that will drive better pricing decisions
• Review management results to understand where interventions may be required

Direct Reports

• One intern

Key Interfaces

• MD, NFD, CCBT Leads, Marketing Team, CD LT, CD Team, SCF, FBP?s & Controller Finance Teams

Critical success Factors for the JobKey Skills

• Outstanding knowledge of key finance processes, roles and responsibilities
• Strong analysis skill with proven track record is a must
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• Interest in digital technologies would be an advantage

Relevant ExperienceEssential:

• 5 years of working experience in Finance and Accounting systems and processes and in business partnering would be an advantage, preferably from FMCG business
• Working knowledge of SAP or other similar accounting software systems
• Ability to build effective working relationships and communicate at all levels within the organization
• Speaks Arabic and English
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Strong engagement, presentation and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other key stakeholders
• Experience in driving P&L performance improvements (e.g. closing gaps vs. target) and holding others accountable (particularly peers and senior leadership)
• Significant experience managing a large and complex set of stakeholders
• Experience in presenting to and communicating with senior Finance and non-Finance stakeholders
• Demonstrated competency at growing and developing people / teams
• Experience with identifying risks and opportunities

Leadership BehavioursShould meet expectations on the Standards of Leadership behaviours relevant to the WL of this job:Growth MindsetBias for ActionResponsibility & AccountabilityBuilding Talent & TeamsUnilever 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.

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