Assistant Financial Accountant (12 Months)

Who we are?

On any given day, 2.5 billion people globally use Unilever products to feel good, look good and get more out of life. Many of our brands are well-known, household staples and old-time favourites including Dove, Rexona, Lynx, Vaseline, OMO/Persil, Surf, TRESemmé, Continental, Ben & Jerry’s and Streets. 

We have a long tradition of being a progressive, responsible business. It goes back to the days of our founder William Lever, who launched the world’s first purposeful brand, Sunlight Soap more than 100 years ago, and it’s at the heart of how we run our company today. In 2022 Unilever Australia & New Zealand became a Certified B Corporation™ (B Corp), joining a growing network of organisations committed to galvanising a stronger, more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy for all.  

A job at Unilever is a career made by you, with development opportunities, benefits and a working culture that embraces diversity and is pioneering flexibility. There’s no better time to join our team! 

Job Summary

We are looking for a motivated Assistant Financial Accountant to ensure the integrity of the Financial Accounts of the Australian and New Zealand business.  To provide timely fit for purpose reports for both internal and external stakeholders. To provide support to Treasury and Taxation Departments. To be the technical expert in relation to accounting issues and internal control.

Position reports to Financial Accountant, Fixed Assets and Treasury Manager. This role is a 12 month fixed term contract.

Role Responsibilities:

• Coordination and preparation of timely, accurate and complete annual financial reports for Australian and New Zealand statutory and legal requirements, as well as for Unilever Global Financial Group and other regulatory authorities such as ASIC and ABS.

• IFRS 16 Lease Accounting and lease contract maintenance on a monthly basis.

• IFRS 36 Annual Impairment review compliance.

• Ensure integrity of company balance sheet through independent review.

• Management of the Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA) ensuring full compliance of both reporting and transaction systems.

• Control the General Ledger. This includes set up and maintenance of accounting modules and structures.

• Continually review and improve the balance sheet reconciliation process, by ensuring reconciliations are complete and accounting is in line with Unilever policy as well as AIFRS and NZIFRS.

• Education of Financial and non-Financial users/ budget holders in the business in relation to SCOA as required.

• Liaise with Financial Shared Services team for the completion of quarterly Financial Reporting Package in line with Unilever Accounting policies.

• Implementation of Financial Projects in conjunction with Treasury, Tax and Management Reporting departments.

• Continuously improve the financial reporting process.

• Create an organisational awareness for financial accounting issues.

• Keep abreast of changes in reporting requirements via changes in Unilever policy (International Standards), local Accounting Standards and other regulatory changes.

• Liaise with external audits and assist in providing information.

• Implement ad hoc projects as required, examples of past projects include: acquisition / integration / disposal of business, liquidation of dormant companies.

• Assist outsourced financial shared services Record to Report team

• Complete Share based payments, Annual leave, long service leave accounts.  Coordinate valuations as required.

• Ensure all journals at the month and quarter end are completed on time and in full.

Key Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong influencing skills and interpersonal skills

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

• Strong team commitment and results delivery orientation

• Good Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills

• Financial Transaction Processing [FO]

• Financial Accounting [FO]

• Risk Management and Internal Controls [FO]

Does this sound like You?

• Minimum 2-3 years post graduate experience in Finance Function

• Previous Financial Accounting Experience desirable

• Knowledge of SAP Financial Module

• Degree qualified. Accounting qualifications strongly preferred

• CA qualified would be preferred

• Working knowledge of IFRS

What awaits you at Unilever?

The core of Unilever’s culture is captured as Human, Purposeful, Accountable. You will be joining a dynamic, flexible, and inspiring work environment that truly cares about your wellbeing, values what you do and celebrates your success.

This is your opportunity to be part of a purpose-led business and a global community where you can progress your career both locally and internationally. You will also benefit from amazing discounts on external company products, attractive employee referral reward program amongst other benefits.

This is a great opportunity to work within an iconic and global organization. We have gained our reputation as one of the world's most admired employers by providing an environment where individuals can achieve their goals, both professionally and personally.

Make no mistake we expect a lot from our people as they do of us. So, if you can rise to the challenge, don't waste any time - apply now!

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact Rachel Kok at rachel.kok@unilever.com or to anz.talent@unilever.com.

If you require reasonable adjustments for the application and recruitment process, please advise us on ANZ.talent@unilever.com.

Unilever is an organization 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.

This means we encourage people with all backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pacific Peoples, and people with disabilities. Interested in learning more, check out our Reconciliation Action Plan and Workplace Adjustment Policy on the Unilever webpage.

At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! We encourage you to advise us at the time of your application if you require any reasonable adjustment so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.