Finance Accountant ​- Supply Chain at Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Supply Chain Accountant to support the financial management of inventory, Business Waste, and Supply Chain Indirects (SCI). The role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong governance and controls, balance sheet integrity, and delivering meaningful insights to support business decision-making and continuous improvement across the Supply Chain.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Inventory & Stock Reporting

• Own the month-end stock reporting process, ensuring accuracy and completeness of inventory balances.
• Perform inventory reconciliations and balance sheet reviews, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor inventory movements, stock provisions, and ageing reports to ensure compliance with accounting policies.
• Partner with Operations, Logistics, Planning, and Factory teams to improve inventory visibility and control.
• Provide analysis and insights on stock trends, risks, and opportunities to management.

Business Waste Management

• Lead the Business Waste and SLOBs (Slow Moving and Obsolete Stock) reporting process.
• Validate waste provisions, write-offs, and reserve calculations in line with company policy and accounting standards.
• Ensure all write-offs are appropriately approved and supported by adequate documentation.
• Conduct root cause analysis of waste drivers and partner with operational teams to identify sustainable improvement actions.
• Maintain audit-ready records and support internal and external audit requirements.

Supply Chain Indirects (SCI)

• Manage Supply Chain Indirect cost reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Provide financial analysis and challenge cost drivers to improve spending efficiency.
• Support stakeholders in identifying productivity initiatives and cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor SCI expenditure against budget and provide timely insights into performance and risks.
• Drive accountability through robust financial reporting and governance processes.

Governance, Controls & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with internal control requirements, accounting policies, and governance standards.
• Prepare and post journals, accruals, provisions, and month-end adjustments.
• Support balance sheet reviews and ensure timely clearance of reconciling items.
• Maintain strong financial controls and continuously identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and automate processes.
• Support audit activities and ensure full compliance with audit and control requirements.

Business Partnering

• Build strong relationships with Supply Chain, Planning, Logistics, Manufacturing, and Finance stakeholders.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Drive a culture of financial accountability and continuous improvement across the Supply Chain.
• Adhocs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, or Commercial Finance environments.
• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification will be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, costing, provisions, and financial controls.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems

Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel, SAP PM/FI and PA knowledge desirable
• Digital Native
• Stakeholder Management Strong work ethic, great attitude, self-starting & initiative-taking mind-set, resilience in the face of pressure, strong team player
• Strong Control mindset
• Leadership Behaviours – Supply Chain Accountant
• Results & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability for delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality financial reporting across inventory, Business Waste, and Supply Chain Indirects (SCI). Continuously seeks opportunities to simplify processes, improve reporting accuracy, strengthen controls, and drive operational efficiencies. Collaborate effectively with Supply Chain, Logistics, Planning, and Finance teams to identify and implement sustainable improvements that enhance business performance.
• Accountability & Business Insight: Takes full accountability for financial results, reporting integrity, and compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and governance requirements. Acts as a trusted business partner by translating financial information into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making and promoting financial discipline across the Supply Chain.
• Analytical Thinking & Data-Driven Decision Making: Applies strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret financial and operational data, identify trends, risks, and performance opportunities. Proactively investigates variances, inventory risks, waste drivers, and cost overruns, providing practical recommendations that support productivity, waste reduction, and cost optimization objectives.
• Governance & Control Excellence: Maintains a strong control and compliance mindset, ensuring all inventory, Business Waste, and SCI transactions are accurately recorded, supported, reviewed, and approved in line with company policies and audit requirements. Champions a culture of governance, accountability, and continuous control improvement.
• Commercial & Operational Acumen: Demonstrates a strong understanding of Supply Chain operations and the key drivers impacting inventory, waste, logistics, and indirect costs. Uses financial insights to challenge assumptions, support decision-making, and drive initiatives that improve profitability, cash flow, and operational efficiency.