CD Finance Manager - Traditional Trade

Unilever is currently hiring for a Commercial Finance Business Partner (DBN or JHB) Function: Finance Reports to: Commercial Finance Director Scope: Southern Africa Location: Durban OR Johannesburg, South Africa Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite At Unilever, everything we do is driven by purpose. This is an opportunity to help shape a better business and a better world through the impact of your work. We’re looking for a Commercial Finance Business Partner (FMCG) to support and drive performance management within the Customer Development (CD) function. This role plays a critical part in enabling strong commercial decision‑making through robust financial control, insightful analysis, and close partnering with Customer Development teams. You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that truly matters — for people and the planet. Key Responsibilities Commercial Performance & Decision Support Support decision‑making around Customer Development promotions and work closely with CD Operations on accruals Ensure the right level of investment across channels, categories, customers, and activities Evaluate the feasibility and return on promotional plans Support the development and execution of customer investment plans Performance Management & Forecasting Partner with CD account teams to manage performance in a standardised way across all customers and channels Support initiatives to close performance gaps, mitigate risks, and realise opportunities Communicate and manage account targets, including growth and Trade Terms Spend (TTS) Forecast performance by category and customer Drive the Trade Terms Spend (TTS) savings agenda Finance Controlling & Governance Support and intervene in CD finance controlling processes including accrual reviews, judgemental TTS postings, and aged deduction management Monitor, analyse, control, and forecast contractual spend Analyse and present monthly financial results with actionable insights to relevant business partner teams Order to Cash & Risk Management Support debtor management and resolve customer overdue balances Help resolve key issues related to claims and aged deductions Engage with the Order to Cash team within the Multi‑Country Operation to resolve transactional and balance sheet issues optimally Insight & Continuous Improvement Conduct pre‑ and post‑evaluation of promotional activity, analysing plan vs actual variances Apply learnings to improve future promotional effectiveness Support Customer Development Operations with day‑to‑day financial expertise as required Required Qualifications BCom in Finance, Accounting CIMA or CA (SA) is a must requirement 3–5 years’ experience in Finance or Commercial Finance roles within FMCG Demonstrated experience in commercial performance management, forecasting, and financial control Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert financial data into clear, actionable business insights Advanced Excel capability with strong SAP and PowerPoint skills Excellent organisational and time‑management capability Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross‑functionally and influence commercial stakeholders Strong problem‑solving ability and adaptability to changing business environments High attention to detail with strong governance and control mindset Proven stakeholder management skills with a customer‑centric, business‑partnering approach Why Join Unilever? Work for one of the world’s most purpose-led and trusted brands. Drive meaningful impact on business capability and performance. Be part of a supportive, culture‑driven environment that values people and growth. Enjoy opportunities for regional exposure and professional development. 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. Better Business. Better World. Better You. We’ve been pioneers, innovators and future-makers for over 120 years. Learn More