IC Finance Controller Lead

We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. As ice cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products. We are the proof that an unbroken chain of happier people works – for a happy planet and winning smiles. As the largest ice cream company in the world, we have over 100 years of experience in delivering smiles, and we plan to continue this for many more years to come, with our people and planet first.

We have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), in over 60 countries. All driven to spread happiness through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.

ABOUT ICE CREAM FINANCE

This is your chance for a ‘once in a lifetime’ career experience, playing a part in the creation of a fully independent, new Ice Cream organization.  In Ice Cream Finance we are seizing this unique opportunity to reset the role of Finance, with a conscious move from being function-led to business-led. Together we will become the best and most admired finance team in the world, and we’ll do this by focusing on value creation, trailblazing future-fit financial processes and technology, and by becoming a training ground for financial craftmanship that will be the envy of everyone.  

Imagine the benefits of working within a single category, where everyone and everything is laser-focused on the same goal, where there's opportunity to develop deep and wide understanding of the business economics and international ecosystem of a single category and to translate that into value creation. 

 With Ice Cream Finance you will be able to operate with more freedom and in ways not always possible in legacy finance functions; and with end-to-end responsibility, you will be an empowered and accountable decision maker, free from the complexities and conflicting priorities of a matrix organization.   

 The role of Finance in this momentous moment is staggering, exciting, and yes...a little daunting, which is why we are looking for the best, you will be rewarded with a rich finance role, no matter where you are in your career, and within an environment that’s both fulfilling and fun ...after all, life tastes better with Ice Cream! 

JOB PURPOSE

The Europe/ANZ Ice Cream Business Unit contributes ca 40% to the global IC business and has the ambition to accelerate underlying sales growth whilst stepping up underlying operating profit growth and ROIC. The ambition requires a high level of value creation, transformation and process re-design, which will be part of the new company establishment journey. The IC Finance function plays a pivotal role - supporting strategic business decisions, providing relentless focus on the cash and value, while setting up a strong stewardship function in a highly volatile environment.

The Local Controlling lead will have comprehensive responsibility for the financial health and Financial reporting compliance of the Ice Cream businesses, with responsibility for Control framework, statutory reporting preparations and working closely with the Unilever controlling teams during the TSA period. A key aspect of this position involves independently establishing and enhancing the Financial Reporting and Controllership activities for the new business entities. Ensuring seamless business operations during periods of transition and organizational change will be critical.

The role will report to EE Controller Leader once appointed.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Controlling:

• Lead the transition of Controller and Cash responsibilities from Unilever Romania, Hungary, Greece and other countries to the Ice Cream legal entities

• Lead Statutory Reporting, Financial Accounting & drive Process excellence

• Establish Proactive Risk Management & Controls

• Implement the cash framework & deliver the Cash targets

Tax Compliance:

• Coordination with Ice Cream & External Tax authorities on direct/indirect tax compliances

Leadership

• Support the establishment and set up of other key processes in the country

• Play a key role in East Europe Finance community

• Provide financial expertise and challenge on finance related projects

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Skills & Experience

• Professional qualification (CA/ACMA/MBA or equivalent).

• Experience in areas of financial accounting, controlling and risk management

• FMCG or comparable industry experience

• Excellent commercial acumen credentials with a proven track record on delivery

• Strong experience in managing in-market control framework, cash and stewardship

• Financial forecasting and cash up exposure, with a track record in driving Forecast accuracy

• High degree of flexibility and ability to quickly understand new topics

• Experience managing a large and complex set of local and regional stakeholders

• Experience in presenting to and communicating with senior Finance and non-Finance stakeholders

• Fluent in English

Leadership

Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

• PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed.

• PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.

• TALENT CATALYST: Invests in people – coaches individuals and teams to realize their full potential. Creates an inclusive climate, empowering everyone to be at their best. Inspires powerful teamwork and collaboration, connecting people for better results.

• CONSUMER LOVE: Brings the voice of the consumer into everything we do, always.

• BUSINESS ACUMEN: Creates opportunities for profitable growth through the core and beyond.

A Unilever é uma organização comprometida com equidade, inclusão e diversidade para impulsionar nossos resultados de negócios e criar um futuro melhor, a cada dia, para nossos diversos funcionários, consumidores globais, parceiros e comunidades. Acreditamos que uma força de trabalho diversificada nos permite igualar nossas ambições de crescimento e impulsionar a inclusão em todo o negócio. Na Unilever estamos interessados em cada indivíduo trazendo seu "Eu como um todo" para o trabalho e isso inclui você! Assim, se você precisar de algum suporte ou requisitos de acesso, nós o encorajamos a nos aconselhar no momento de sua inscrição para que possamos apoiá-lo através de sua jornada de recrutamento.