Meet one of our Finance Graduates

What is your role and how long have you been with Unilever?

I am a finance graduate; I have been with Unilever for just over a year now.

My first rotation has just come to an end. I worked as a finance business partner for Nutrition and Ice cream in Ireland.

What inspired you to apply?

I was drawn to finance for several reasons:

• The technical side of working with data to provide insights and solutions was appealing. I am keen to continue learning about how finance drives business decisions.
• During the application process, Unilever stood out to me as they operate in FMCG which is a unique and interesting environment to work in.
• Good career prospects.
• Opportunity to move to London.

What does a normal day look like for you?

I have numerous core tasks that occur each month i.e. updating a forecast accuracy file. This is an excel spreadsheet that shows how actual results compare to forecasted results. These insights are presented in a monthly performance meeting that digs into why variances vs. forecast have occurred. I also deal with adhoc tasks, these are typically tasks that occur when other areas of the business need finance support i.e. marketing requested financial modelling to highlight the cost impacts of switching soup recipes.

I prepared a spreadsheet that modelled the impact on our turnover and GM if the new products (costs) where used.

What do you find most interesting?

Working within excel to come up with solutions and unique ways to present data is challenging but something I’ve really enjoyed. In the future I’d like to lean into this line of work more.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt so far?

Absorb as much as you can from the people around you. You will work with some exceptional people, copy the things they do well and asks as many question as possible.

Any tips for anyone applying?

• For interviews and assessment centres use your time effectively to plan. Writing notes is helpful.
• Have answers to common questions ready e.g. what your strengths and weaknesses are.