UI Finance Business Partner

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Finance Business Partner

Company: Unilever

Location: Bogota Office (Paralelo 108), Bogota, Colombia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / Finance Business Partnering

Date Posted: 2026-05-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days onsite)

🚀 Role Summary

• Act as a strategic financial partner to the Unilever International (UI) North America business, with a primary focus on managing the Canadian P&L and driving financial performance across various import channels.

• Lead rigorous forecasting and planning processes, including S&OP, to ensure accurate financial projections and support strategic decision-making.

• Deliver in-depth financial analysis, particularly on margins, variances, and flux, to provide actionable insights and influence business strategy.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams across North America, Singapore UI Finance, and global stakeholders to achieve end-to-end business objectives.

• Monitor and report on topline growth, ensuring alignment with responsible growth initiatives and driving sustainable business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Finance Business Partner, which in the context of Revenue Operations, implies a strong focus on linking financial performance to Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. The emphasis on P&L management for Canada and collaboration with sales/marketing suggests a need for understanding revenue drivers, cost structures, and profitability optimization from a GTM perspective. The requirement for advanced English and global communication indicates a significant international scope within the role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Financial Planning & Forecasting:

  • Lead the end-to-end financial forecasting process for the Canadian market, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Actively participate in and contribute financial insights to the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align financial projections with operational execution.
  • Develop detailed financial models to support annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning initiatives.

• Financial Analysis & Insights:

  • Conduct comprehensive analysis of gross margins, operating expenses, and other key financial metrics across different product categories and import channels.
  • Perform variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior periods, identifying root causes and providing clear explanations.
  • Analyze financial flux, understanding the drivers of changes in revenue, cost of goods sold, and profitability.
  • Translate complex financial data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for business stakeholders.

• Business Partnering & Collaboration:

  • Serve as the primary financial liaison for the North America operations company (OpCo), sales, and marketing teams.
  • Collaborate closely with the Singapore UI Finance team to ensure cohesive financial management and reporting across regions.
  • Partner with global teams to align financial strategies and performance monitoring.
  • Support commercial teams with financial input for new product launches, pricing strategies, and promotional activities.

• Performance Management & Reporting:

  • Continuously monitor topline revenue growth and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Canadian market.
  • Ensure all financial activities and growth initiatives adhere to Unilever's responsible growth principles.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.
  • Drive financial discipline and accountability across the business units supported.

• Channel & Market Oversight:

  • Oversee and manage the financial performance of various import channels operating within the Canadian market.

  • Analyze the profitability and efficiency of different distribution and sales channels.

  • Provide financial guidance on channel strategy and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities clearly indicate a role that bridges finance with commercial operations. The emphasis on P&L, forecasting, variance analysis, and business partnering aligns with core Revenue Operations functions focused on financial health and strategic growth. The direct mention of S&OP and channel management further solidifies its connection to GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in financial analysis, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), or a related finance business partnering role.

• Experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry or a similar industry with complex supply chains and multiple product categories is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Advanced English Fluency: Superior written and spoken English communication skills are essential for global collaboration and senior-level presentations.

• Financial Modelling: Demonstrated expertise in building robust financial models in Excel for forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis.

• Forecasting & Planning: Proficient in leading and executing financial forecasting cycles and contributing to integrated business planning processes like S&OP.

• Variance Analysis: Strong ability to dissect financial performance, identify drivers of deviations, and articulate findings clearly.

• P&L Management: In-depth understanding of profit and loss statements, including revenue recognition, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and profitability drivers.

• Business Partnering: Proven capability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, operations, and global finance.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and develop data-driven solutions and actionable insights.

• Communication & Presentation: Clear, concise, and persuasive communication skills, with a proven ability to present financial information effectively to senior management and non-finance stakeholders.

• Advanced Office 365 Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Excel (including advanced functions, pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis tools), PowerPoint (for impactful presentations), and SharePoint (for document management and collaboration).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SAP, Oracle, or other major ERP systems.

• Familiarity with BI tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar for data visualization and reporting.

• Knowledge of specific import channel dynamics and related financial considerations.

• Experience working within a multinational consumer goods company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, coupled with financial modeling, forecasting, and P&L management, points towards a role requiring strong analytical and quantitative skills often found in operations-focused finance roles. The need for "exceptional ability to work with diverse stakeholders across geographies and functions" highlights the collaborative and GTM-alignment aspects critical for this position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Financial Modelling Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex financial models built in Excel to support forecasting, budgeting, or scenario analysis, demonstrating proficiency in formulas, functions, and data manipulation.

• Variance Analysis Reports: Include sample reports or presentations that detail P&L variance analysis, clearly identifying key drivers, providing root cause explanations, and outlining recommended actions.

• Forecasting Process Documentation: Present a high-level overview or a specific example of how you have managed or contributed to a financial forecasting process, highlighting methodologies used and accuracy achieved.

• Business Partnering Impact: Provide examples or a case study illustrating how you have partnered with commercial or operational teams to drive business performance, improve profitability, or achieve specific financial targets.

Process Documentation:

• Financial Planning Cycle: Demonstrate understanding of the typical financial planning and forecasting cycle, including key inputs, outputs, and timelines.

• S&OP Integration: Illustrate how financial planning integrates with the S&OP process, ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and financial targets.

• Reporting & Analysis Standards: Outline your approach to delivering insightful financial reports, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Finance Business Partner role with GTM implications, the portfolio should highlight not just financial acumen but also the ability to translate financial data into actionable business strategies. Demonstrating experience in process optimization within financial workflows and clear communication of financial impact on commercial outcomes will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: COP 60,000,000 - COP 100,000,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Finance Business Partner roles with 5-10 years of experience in Bogota, Colombia, considering the FMCG sector and the multinational nature of Unilever. The range accounts for varying levels of experience, specific skill proficiencies, and the strategic scope of managing a regional P&L. Cost of living in Bogota and typical compensation structures for multinational corporations in Colombia were considered.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a pension fund or savings plan.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Annual bonus opportunities tied to individual and company performance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning in finance and business acumen.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote per week, promoting work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Discounts and Perks: Potential for employee discounts on Unilever products and other corporate benefits.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is hybrid, specific onsite days will be determined with the team, usually requiring presence on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

• Flexibility may be offered based on business needs and team agreements, but consistent availability for critical financial processes and stakeholder meetings is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is provided based on general market data for Bogota, Colombia, for a role of this nature and experience level. Specific compensation will be determined by Unilever based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The benefits listed are typical for a multinational corporation like Unilever and are designed to support employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)

Company Size: Global enterprise with over 127,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: 1929 (by the merger of Lever Brothers and Margarine Unie).

Team Structure:

• Finance Function: This role sits within Unilever's global Finance function, likely reporting to a Finance Manager or Director overseeing the North America or UI region.

• Business Unit Focus: You will be embedded within or closely aligned with the Unilever International (UI) business unit, a division focused on serving diverse markets and channels globally, often involving complex import/export dynamics.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaboration is key. You will work daily with teams in North America (OpCo, Sales, Marketing), Singapore (UI Finance), and potentially other global finance hubs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Unilever emphasizes leveraging data and analytics to inform strategic choices, optimize processes, and drive performance.

• Responsible Growth: A core principle is balancing business growth with social and environmental responsibility, which influences financial strategies and investment decisions.

• Agile & Collaborative Operations: Modern workplaces often adopt agile methodologies and foster strong cross-functional collaboration to respond quickly to market changes and drive efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.unilever.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's scale means operations roles often involve managing complex processes and large datasets. The UI division specifically suggests a focus on international trade, logistics, and diverse market entry strategies, all of which have significant financial and operational implications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level Finance Business Partner. This role is critical for supporting strategic business decisions and requires a blend of analytical expertise and commercial acumen. It's a step beyond pure financial analysis, involving direct partnership with commercial leaders.

Reporting Structure:

• The role likely reports to a Finance Manager or Director within the UI Finance team, possibly with a dotted line to a commercial leader in North America.

Operations Impact:

• This position has a direct impact on revenue growth, profitability, and the financial health of the Canadian market for Unilever International.

• Insights provided will influence strategic decisions related to pricing, promotions, channel strategy, investment, and resource allocation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in FMCG finance, international business operations, or specific GTM strategies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Finance Manager or Director role within UI or other Unilever divisions.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into commercial roles (e.g., Sales Operations, Commercial Finance) or broader finance leadership positions.

• Global Mobility: Exposure to international markets and teams can pave the way for global assignments within Unilever.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning in areas like advanced analytics, digital finance tools, and strategic business partnering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "UI" aspect of the title suggests a focus on international trade and potentially emerging markets, which can offer unique challenges and growth opportunities in supply chain finance and cross-border commercial operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a combination of remote work and onsite presence at the Bogota office.

Office Location(s): Bogota Office (Paralelo 108), Bogota, Colombia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, team meetings, and strategic discussions, particularly on designated onsite days.

• Technology Enabled: Access to Unilever's IT infrastructure, including necessary software (Office 365, potentially ERP systems) and communication tools.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with colleagues from various departments, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour week is expected, the hybrid model allows for flexibility.

• Onsite days are typically mid-week (e.g., Tuesday-Thursday) to maximize team interaction.

• The nature of financial analysis and reporting may require occasional work outside standard hours, especially during peak planning or closing periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a modern work approach, balancing the need for focused individual work with the benefits of in-person collaboration essential for strategic finance roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, role understanding, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, technical skills (Excel, P&L, forecasting), and business partnering capabilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present an analysis on a given financial scenario or a case study based on their past experience, demonstrating analytical, modeling, and presentation skills. This is a key opportunity to showcase portfolio elements.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key business partners (e.g., from Sales, Marketing, or Singapore Finance) to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to influence.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each portfolio item, clearly articulate the business problem, your solution/analysis, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, revenue increase, efficiency gains). Use metrics and KPIs.

• Showcase Process Thinking: Illustrate your understanding of financial processes (forecasting, planning, reporting) and how you contribute to their efficiency and accuracy.

• Highlight Collaboration: Select examples that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with non-finance stakeholders and translate financial insights into actionable business strategies.

• Tailor to Unilever: Research Unilever's business units, recent performance, and strategic priorities (e.g., responsible growth) to tailor your examples and presentation.

• Excel Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your Excel modeling techniques and potentially demonstrate specific functions or approaches if asked.

Challenge Preparation:

• Financial Modeling Exercise: Practice building financial models in Excel under time constraints, focusing on accuracy, clarity, and logical structure.

• Scenario Analysis: Prepare to analyze hypothetical business scenarios and provide financial recommendations, justifying your assumptions and conclusions.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting complex financial information clearly and concisely, anticipating questions from both finance and non-finance audiences. Focus on storytelling with data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The case study/presentation component is crucial for assessing practical application of skills. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also the business acumen to connect financial analysis to strategic outcomes, a hallmark of effective GTM operations and finance partnering.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency is a core requirement, including complex formulas, pivot tables, data analysis tools, and financial modeling.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating clear, impactful presentations for senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Microsoft SharePoint: Likely used for document management, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP Systems: Experience with SAP or Oracle is highly probable given Unilever's global scale.

• BI Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI is advantageous for data visualization and creating dynamic dashboards.

• Financial Planning Software: Experience with dedicated FP&A software (e.g., Anaplan, Hyperion) may be beneficial, though Excel is specified as primary.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how financial data integrates with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for sales performance analysis can be a plus.

• Automation tools for financial processes might be utilized, but Excel proficiency is the immediate focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, alongside the implied use of ERP systems and potential BI tools, highlights the technological landscape essential for this role. Proficiency in these tools is critical for effective financial analysis, reporting, and GTM strategy support.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all financial dealings and reporting.

• Bias for Action: Proactively identifying issues and opportunities and driving solutions.

• Consumer Love: Understanding that financial decisions ultimately support delivering value to consumers.

• One Unilever: Fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment where teams work together across functions and geographies.

• Purpose-Driven Growth: Aligning financial objectives with Unilever's broader mission of making sustainable living commonplace.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Expected to actively seek out information and build relationships with stakeholders, rather than waiting to be approached.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions should be grounded in financial data and insights to ensure objectivity and impact.

• Constructive Challenge: Comfortable providing financial perspective and challenging assumptions constructively to drive better business outcomes.

• Global Mindset: Embracing diverse perspectives and working effectively with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's emphasis on "Purpose-Driven Growth" and "Responsible Growth" suggests that financial decisions are not solely profit-motivated but also consider sustainability and societal impact, a crucial aspect for GTM strategy alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a Diverse P&L: Overseeing the financial performance of the Canadian market across multiple import channels requires a nuanced understanding of different business models and market dynamics.

• Global Stakeholder Management: Effectively collaborating with teams in different time zones, cultural contexts, and with varying priorities.

• Data Integration & Interpretation: Consolidating and analyzing financial data from disparate sources to derive clear and actionable insights.

• Balancing Growth with Profitability: Driving topline growth while ensuring it aligns with responsible growth principles and maintains healthy margins.

• Adapting to Market Dynamics: Responding to the fast-paced nature of the FMCG industry and evolving consumer demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Financial Acumen: Deepen expertise in international finance, FMCG operations, and GTM financial strategies.

• Strategic Business Partnering: Develop skills in influencing senior leaders and shaping business strategy through financial insights.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhance abilities to work effectively in a global, diverse team environment.

• Technology Adoption: Gain exposure to and proficiency in new financial planning and analytics tools.

• Leadership Exposure: Opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and develop leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a global finance business partner role, particularly within a large FMCG company. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement and skill diversification within Unilever.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a commercial team to change a pricing or promotional strategy based on financial analysis. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data-driven influence and collaboration.)

• "How would you approach forecasting revenue for a new import channel with limited historical data?" (Assess analytical approach, assumptions, and risk management.)

• "Walk us through your process for analyzing a significant variance in gross margin for the Canadian market." (Demonstrate P&L understanding, analytical rigor, and root cause identification.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Unilever's commitment to responsible growth, and how would you incorporate that into your financial analysis and recommendations?" (Assess understanding of company values and strategic priorities.)

• "Describe your experience working with diverse, global teams. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration across different cultures and time zones?" (Evaluate collaboration and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the business challenge, your analytical approach, the tools/methods used, your key findings, and the tangible business impact (quantifiable results).

• Highlight Excel Skills: Be prepared to briefly discuss your Excel modeling techniques, especially for complex scenarios or large datasets.

• Focus on Business Impact: Emphasize how your financial analysis translated into actionable business strategies or improved financial performance for the stakeholders you partnered with.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present information clearly and succinctly, avoiding jargon where possible, and focusing on the key takeaways relevant to the role.

• Anticipate Questions: Prepare for follow-up questions regarding your assumptions, methodology, and the broader business implications of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical financial skills but also the ability to act as a strategic partner, influencing business decisions and driving financial performance within a global, GTM-focused context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Finance Business Partner position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the Unilever careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in financial analysis, P&L management, forecasting, S&OP, and business partnering, specifically mentioning FMCG or similar industries. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key examples that showcase your financial modeling, variance analysis, and business partnering capabilities. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Research Unilever: Understand Unilever's business units, particularly Unilever International, its strategic priorities (e.g., responsible growth), and its recent financial performance.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare thoughtful answers to common finance and behavioral questions, focusing on demonstrating your analytical skills, communication abilities, and collaborative approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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