CD Finance Manager - Traditional Trade

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Professional seated at a conference table with laptops and a presentation screen in a modern office setting

Job ID:: R-1181221
Date posted:: 05/11/2026
Job Type:: Full time
Job Category:: Finance

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.

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