Cost Controller

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

JOB PURPOSE

The Cost Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing all financial aspects related to the manufacturing process within the factory. This includes monitoring production costs, analyzing cost variances, budgeting, and providing recommendations to optimize cost-efficiency.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Cost Monitoring and Analysis:

• Track and analyse all costs associated with the production process, including raw materials, labor, overhead, and other expenses.
• Identify cost variances and investigate discrepancies to ensure accurate cost allocation.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Develop and maintain manufacturing budgets in collaboration with other departments.
• Prepare forecasts and projections based on historical data and current trends to support decision-making.

Inventory Management:

• Monitor inventory levels and value, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of inventory reporting.
• Implement strategies to minimize carrying costs and optimize inventory turnover.

Cost Reduction Initiatives:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.
• Suggest process improvements and efficiency enhancements to reduce production costs.

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare regular financial reports and performance analysis for management.
• Present cost-related information to senior management and stakeholders.

Compliance and Control:

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal control procedures.
• Conduct periodic audits to verify cost data accuracy and integrity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with production, procurement, and finance teams to align cost control efforts with overall company objectives.
• Scanario Analysis

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging trends in cost management.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cost control processes.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master's degree or professional certifications like CMA, CPA, or CIMA may be preferred).
• 3-4 years of previous experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or a related role.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of ERP systems is often required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to cost management.

Leadership

• You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way.
• As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors
  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.
  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
  • PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
  • AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

Unilever 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.