Senior Manager Group Data and Systems Accountant

ICE CREAM IS LOOKING FOR Senior Manager Group Data and Systems Accountant

If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or are considering working for the Unilever ice Cream business, you will work for the global, leading Ice Cream player with €8bn Turn Over in 2023. The Ice Cream business is operating in a highly attractive category, as we are part of the 1 trillion snacking and refreshment industry, growing consistently at high pace. We have strong brands equities: 5 of the top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Ben &Jerry’s. We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by November 2025. Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered under a different ownership structure.

We are committed to developing and nurturing talent within our Ice Cream company. You will have ample options for career growth and exploration, allowing you to explore roles and opportunities across the new organisation. Your career development will be a priority for us, and we are dedicated to supporting your growth journey within the new company.

We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.

Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), a strong presence in over 60 countries, generating annual revenue of €8 billion. All brands are driven to transform moments into memories 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.

We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we’re crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.

Ice Cream Finance: Leading for a winning, trusted and investible global ice cream market leader

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 organisation.in what will be the Ultimate Pleasure Food company.

We are seizing this unique opportunity to reset the role of Ice Cream Finance. 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. 

Just 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.

The role of Ice Cream Finance in this momentous moment is staggering, exciting, and yes...a little daunting, which is why we are looking for empowered and accountable decision makers who are keen to take on end-to-end responsibility; if you are a self-starter who identifies opportunities, takes initiative, and innovates to create value, who is proactive, resourceful and comfortable with challenge and uncertainty, you will thrive with us. In return, 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!

See appendix if you want to know more about the Ice Cream Finance North Star, showing our vision, goals and proposition in more detail.

JOB PURPOSE:

The newly created Ice Cream Group Controlling Team is a core part of the central Ice Cream Finance team.

Ice Cream Group Controlling Team is responsible for Ice Cream’s external financial reporting and global financial reporting controls (including Sarbanes Oxley compliance), managing the global auditor relationship; determining and implementing Ice Cream’s accounting policies; and many other projects related to how Ice Cream measures its performance and presents and communicates this to the external world.

The Group Data and System Accountant is a crucial role responsible for the maintenance, optimization, and control of financial systems, particularly the Group's consolidation tool (Tagetik). The person needs to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data, facilitates efficient financial Consolidation, reporting, and supports compliance with international accounting standards and SOX framework. This role will act as a key liaison between the finance team and IT, driving system improvements and ensuring effective data management.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?

Key Responsibilities include the following:

System Management and Maintenance:

• Act as the primary system administrator for Tagetik, ensuring its smooth operation and optimal performance

• Manage and maintain master data within Tagetik (LE, Accounts, Movement Type, Trading Partner, AFD, MRD) to guarantee data accuracy and consistency

• Configure and maintain system settings, hierarchies, and reporting structures

• Perform regular system hygiene checks and troubleshoot any technical issues

• Manage user access and permissions within Tagetik

• Implement and test system updates, patches, and upgrades

Data Integrity and Control:

• Ensure the integrity of financial data within Tagetik and other related systems.

• Develop and implement data validation procedures and controls.

• Monitor data flows between systems and resolve any discrepancies.

• Conduct regular data audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Lead Consolidation system audits and ensure compliance to Sox on Data, process and systems in group accounting/Reporting team

Reporting and Analysis:

• Design, develop, and maintain financial reports and dashboards within Tagetik for both Financial Reporting (FR) and Management Reporting (MR).

• Provide technical support to the finance team in generating reports and analyzing financial data.

• Assist in the preparation of the Group's Statement of Changes in Equity (SOCIE) and related disclosures.

System Implementation and Improvement:

• Participate in system implementation and upgrade projects, ensuring accounting requirements are met.

• Identify and implement system improvements to enhance efficiency and data accuracy.

• Develop and maintain system documentation and user training materials.

• Conduct user training sessions.

• Create and manage change requests for system updates.

• Act as a key interface between the group reporting team and Tagetik support.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

• Experiences & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, information systems, or a related field.

  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in financial systems administration or accounting systems support.

  • Strong experience with Tagetik or a similar consolidation/financial reporting system.

  • Solid understanding of accounting principles (IFRS preferred) and financial reporting processes.

  • Knowledge of SOX compliance requirements.

• Skills:

  • Strong system administration skills.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Proficiency in data management and manipulation.

  • Strong understanding of database concepts and SQL (desirable).

  • Advanced MS Excel skills.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

  • Ability to create clear and concise system documentation and user training materials.

Must have competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and align financial goals with business objectives.

• Expertise on process, Systems and being Digitally Savvy

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in setting up master data/reports/hierarchies

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing business environments and manage multiple priorities.

• Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Innovation: Ability to drive innovation in financial processes and reporting. Being pro-active and solution oriented in approach.

• Ethical Judgment: Strong ethical judgment and integrity in handling financial information.

• Passion for high performance: Inspiring the energy needed to win and grow.

WHAT DOES UNILEVER OFFER/WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.

• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40%-60% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.  For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office , you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products.

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products. 

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).

• Home work allowance

• Company laptop and mobile phone

• Green Mobility Policy.   

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.