Finance Analyst

We are currently seeking an interim Finance Analyst, to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Blackfriars on London's Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £46,500 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

The role offers a great opportunity for the successful candidate to develop a global network across Supply Chain and Supply Chain Finance, covering Markets and the Business Groups; to play a role to deliver value through capital efficiency, savings and new supply chain models; and to build experience in supply chain strategy development.

This role requires senior management engagement to help drive decisions and assist in the delivery of UL's financial ambition, by playing an active part in delivering value to maximise our competitiveness in the market.

Role Context

Personal Care (PC), one of UL's 5 Business Groups, is comprised of 3 categories with leading market positions: Skin Cleansing, Deodorants and Oral Care. The PC BG is structured into 8 Core Business Units along with several other Global Business Units and 1UL entities, with a balanced geographical footprint across Developed and Emerging Markets. The PC BG comprises 8 core brands including several Billion Euro brands such as Dove, Rexona/Sure, Lux and Axe.

Within the PC BG, Supply Chain plays a key role in enabling business growth and profitability through development of strategy and disciplined execution across a broad agenda encompassing costs, assets and agility.

The PC BG Global Supply Chain Finance Analyst will work with and partner the BG and BU Supply Chain teams to drive value through a range of levers including:

• the 5S savings programme,
• capital allocation and capacity investments,
• cash and inventory management,
• network transformation initiatives,
• strategy design

Key Responsibilities

5S Savings

• Working closely with Make it Profitable Core Team and BU SC Teams to drive the PC Savings agenda,
• Setting the long-term Savings ambition for the BG, aligned to the multi-year FGM,
• In-year target-setting and performance management of savings delivery working with the Make it Profitable Core Team, BU teams and Fuel 4 Growth team,
• Review of savings projects in SRS and PowerApps to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with savings guidelines,
• Regular updates to Make it Profitable Leadership Team on savings performance,
• Partnering R&D and Supply Chain to identify new savings opportunities

Capital Expenditure (CapEx)

• Working closely with the Global PC Engineering team to drive the PC CapEx agenda,
• Setting the long-term CapEx strategy, aligned to the overall BG growth and profitability agenda,
• In-year budget-setting and performance management of CapEx spend,
• Review of Capex spends reported in iFinance and Marlin to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with CapEx guidelines,
• Regular updates to PC SC Leadership team on CapEx delivery vs budget

Inventory

• Working closely with the Global PC SC team to drive the PC Inventory and Cash agenda,
• Setting the long-term Inventory strategy, aligned to the overall BG Capital Allocation strategy,
• In-year target-setting and performance management of Inventory targets,
• Review of Inventory forecast reported in iFinance,
• Regular updates to PC SC Leadership team on Inventory performance vs target

Other Responsibilities

• Supporting the PC BG SC Finance Manager and SC Finance Director in other areas including setting strategy for SC Cost, strategic review of Capex and Restructuring proposals, network transformation initiatives.

Key Skills Required

• CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent
• Self-driven and able to work independently
• Excellent analytical & numerical skills
• Ability to respond under pressure
• Strong communication skills both oral and written
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of financial systems, particularly SAP, is required.

Additional Information

Blackfriars working environment:

• Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment
• Short walk from Blackfriars station
• Staff shop discounted products
• Free tea & coffee facilities
• Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
• Gym is available for use subscription required.