Logistics Accountant 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

Logistics Cost Reporting & Month-End Close

• Own the month-end accounting and reporting cycle for logistics costs, ensuring complete and accurate recognition of warehousing, transport, distribution, handling, and related service costs.
• Prepare and post journals, accruals, provisions, reclasses, and settlement corrections with clear supporting documentation and appropriate approval.
• Reconcile logistics-related general ledger and balance sheet accounts, investigate variances, and drive timely clearance of reconciling items.
• Validate actual costs against contracts, agreed rates, purchase orders, service entries, and operational volumes.
• Provide a concise month-end performance narrative covering key movements, risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.

Planning, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Lead logistics budgeting, forecasting, and latest-estimate processes in collaboration with operational and finance stakeholders.
• Analyse actuals versus budget, forecast, and prior year, separating rate, volume, mix, fuel, route, storage, detention, and other relevant drivers.
• Maintain credible full-year outlooks and ensure known operational changes, timing shifts, and contractual impacts are reflected promptly.
• Develop and monitor logistics cost and productivity metrics, linking financial outcomes to operational performance and service levels.
• Identify cost pressures and opportunities early and recommend practical mitigating actions. the Business Waste and SLOBs (Slow Moving and Obsolete Stock) reporting process.

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.
• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification will be advantageous.
• 5-8 Experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, or Commercial Finance environments.
• 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.