UI Finance Business Partner – North America B&W / PC / HC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Finance Business Partner – North America B&W / PC / HC

Company: Unilever

Location: Bosques, Mexico City, Mexico

Job Type: Full time

Category: Finance Operations / Commercial Finance

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-7 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a critical Finance Business Partner for the North America UI business, focusing on Canada's P&L across three business groups.

• Drive end-to-end financial performance and responsible growth by collaborating with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, and global finance.

• Lead and manage forecast submissions, actively participating in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to ensure accurate financial projections.

• Deliver comprehensive financial analysis on margins, variances, and flux, providing actionable insights to senior leadership for strategic decision-making.

• Monitor topline growth and ensure strategic alignment with responsible growth objectives, overseeing financial performance across diverse Canadian market channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Finance Business Partner," will require a strong understanding of operational drivers and their financial implications, especially given the focus on P&L management, S&OP, and collaboration with supply chain and operations teams. Candidates should highlight experience in translating operational performance into financial outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnering: Act as the primary financial liaison for the Canadian market, partnering with Opco leadership, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Singapore UI Finance teams to align financial strategy with business objectives and drive profitable growth.

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Lead the annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes for the Canadian P&L, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with corporate financial targets. Conduct in-depth variance analysis against budget and forecast, identifying key drivers and providing clear explanations.

• Performance Management & Insights: Develop and present robust financial reports and dashboards to senior management, offering insights into key performance indicators (KPIs), margin analysis, profitability trends, and opportunities for optimization.

• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Integration: Participate actively in the S&OP process, providing financial perspectives on demand forecasts, supply chain costs, and inventory levels to ensure integrated business planning and execution.

• Business Case Development: Support the development and evaluation of business cases for new product launches, promotional activities, pricing strategies, and other strategic initiatives, ensuring a sound financial rationale and ROI analysis.

• Channel & Category Financial Oversight: Manage and analyze the financial performance of distinct business groups (B&W, PC, HC) within the Canadian market, identifying specific growth levers and risk mitigation strategies for each.

• Process Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities to enhance financial processes, reporting efficiency, and data accuracy within the North America UI finance function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic, forward-looking approach to finance, moving beyond traditional reporting to active business influencing. The mention of "responsible growth" suggests a need to balance profitability with sustainability and ethical business practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• A Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA, CFA) is a strong asset. Experience:

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in Finance Business Partnering, Commercial Finance, or a similar financial analysis role within a multinational organization.

• Direct experience partnering with commercial functions such as Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain is essential.

• Proven track record of managing full P&L responsibilities and driving financial performance in a complex business environment. Required Skills:

• Advanced English (C1/C2): Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are mandatory for effective collaboration with global, regional, and cross-functional stakeholders, including presentations to senior leadership.

• Financial Modeling & Analysis: Proficient in building complex financial models, performing detailed variance analysis, profitability analysis, and developing insightful business cases.

• Forecasting & Planning: Expertise in leading forecasting cycles and contributing to strategic financial planning processes, including S&OP integration.

• Business Partnering & Influence: Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, establish credibility, and influence decision-making across diverse stakeholder groups, including non-finance professionals.

• Analytical Acumen: Strong capability to interpret complex financial and business data, translate findings into actionable recommendations, and challenge the status quo constructively.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, complex formulas, financial modeling) and PowerPoint (creating compelling presentations), along with proficiency in SharePoint for document management and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry.

• Previous exposure to or experience supporting complex global supply chains.

• Familiarity with supporting regional or multi-country operations, particularly within North America or Latin America.

• Experience with financial planning software or ERP systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on advanced English fluency and specific Excel/PowerPoint skills highlights the need for a candidate who can not only analyze but also effectively communicate complex financial information to a broad, international audience. The hybrid nature of the role also implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Financial Modeling Demonstrations: Showcase examples of complex financial models built for forecasting, budgeting, or scenario analysis, clearly outlining assumptions and outputs.

• Business Case Studies: Present well-documented business cases for strategic initiatives, detailing the problem, proposed solution, financial projections (ROI, NPV, payback period), and actual outcomes if available.

• Performance Analysis Reports: Include samples of financial analysis reports that identify key performance drivers, variances, and actionable recommendations for margin improvement or cost reduction.

• Presentation Decks: Provide examples of financial presentations delivered to senior leadership, demonstrating the ability to distill complex data into clear, concise, and impactful insights.

Process Documentation:

• Forecasting & Planning Workflows: Document the steps involved in your forecasting and annual planning processes, including data inputs, collaboration touchpoints, and key deliverables.

• Variance Analysis Methodologies: Detail your approach to identifying, analyzing, and reporting on financial variances, including the tools and techniques used.

• Stakeholder Engagement Protocols: Outline how you engage with non-finance stakeholders to gather information, align on financial targets, and drive decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic financial partnership rather than purely transactional or accounting tasks. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to influence business decisions through data-driven financial insights and robust analysis.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Finance Business Partners with 5-7 years of experience in Mexico City, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between MXN $700,000 and MXN $1,000,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal days, public holidays).

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for well-being support.

• Access to Unilever's global learning and development platforms.

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility. Working Hours:

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

• The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in the Bosques, Mexico City office and allowing for 2 days of remote work. Specific office days may vary but are generally dictated by team needs and business requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research into finance roles of similar seniority and scope in major metropolitan areas of Mexico, considering the multinational nature of Unilever and the specific responsibilities outlined. Benefits are typical for large, international corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Unilever is a global leader with a vast portfolio of iconic brands across Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream. This industry is characterized by high volume, competitive markets, and a strong focus on consumer insights and brand building.

Company Size: Unilever is a large, multinational corporation with over 127,000 employees globally and operations in over 190 countries. This scale offers significant opportunities for career development and exposure to diverse markets and business functions.

Founded: Unilever was formed in 1929 through the merger of the Dutch Margarine Unie and the British Lever Brothers. This long history signifies stability, extensive market knowledge, and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Finance function, specifically supporting the North America UI (Unilever International) business unit.

• The UI division often acts as a specialized arm for specific channels or markets, requiring close collaboration with both central finance teams and regional operational units.

• The Finance Business Partner will likely report to a Finance Manager or Director overseeing North America or a specific business group within UI.

• Collaboration will be extensive, involving commercial teams (Sales, Marketing), supply chain, and potentially IT and HR functions across Canada, the US, and global headquarters. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Unilever emphasizes using data and analytics to inform strategic decisions, performance management, and operational improvements.

• Integrated Business Planning: A core methodology involves aligning financial plans with operational execution through processes like S&OP.

• Consumer-Centric Approach: All functions, including finance, are expected to understand and support strategies that meet consumer needs and drive brand growth.

• Sustainability Focus: Unilever has strong commitments to sustainability, which are integrated into business strategy and financial planning, influencing how "responsible growth" is measured and achieved.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a global FMCG giant, Unilever's culture is likely to be a blend of corporate structure and a drive for innovation and consumer connection. The Finance Business Partner role is central to translating the company's broad strategic goals into tangible financial outcomes for a specific, key market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Finance Business Partner. It requires a solid foundation of 5-7 years of finance experience and the ability to operate with significant autonomy, influencing strategic decisions and managing complex P&Ls. It's a step beyond junior financial analysis and into a role with direct business impact and stakeholder management at senior levels.

Reporting Structure: The Finance Business Partner will likely report to a Finance Manager or Director responsible for the North America UI segment or specific business groups within it. This means they will be part of a broader finance organization but will have a dedicated focus on supporting specific operational and commercial teams.

Operations Impact: The Finance Business Partner plays a crucial role in shaping and driving the financial strategy for the Canadian market. Their analysis and recommendations directly influence key business decisions related to product performance, market investment, pricing, and operational efficiency. They are critical in ensuring the financial health and profitable growth of the assigned business units.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Progression to a Finance Manager or Director role within Unilever's regional or global finance structure, potentially leading a team or a larger business segment.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader commercial finance roles, strategic planning, or even operational management positions, leveraging their deep understanding of the business.

• International Exposure: Potential to transition into finance roles in other regions or global headquarters, gaining broader international experience within the FMCG sector.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like category finance, supply chain finance, or investor relations within Unilever.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever is known for its robust talent development programs. This role offers a clear pathway for growth within finance, with potential for broader business leadership roles given the strategic nature of the business partnering aspect.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Bosques, Mexico City, in a hybrid model (3 days in office, 2 days remote). Unilever offices are typically modern, professional environments designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): Bosques de las Lomas, Mexico City. This is a well-established business district in Mexico City, offering accessibility and a professional setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to facilitate in-person collaboration with local and regional teams, essential for building relationships and discussing complex financial matters.

• Technology Enabled: Access to Unilever's standard IT infrastructure, including reliable internet, communication tools, and necessary software for financial analysis and reporting.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The office setting provides opportunities for spontaneous interactions and formal meetings with colleagues from sales, marketing, operations, and other support functions, which is crucial for effective business partnering.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement. This offers a degree of flexibility, allowing employees to manage their work-life balance while ensuring consistent engagement with the office-based team and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires a self-disciplined individual who can manage their time effectively across both remote and in-office settings, prioritizing in-office days for high-impact collaborative activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, skills, and suitability for the Finance Business Partner role, focusing on strategic thinking and business acumen.

• Case Study / Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to prepare and present a financial analysis or business case scenario relevant to the role. This assesses analytical skills, strategic thinking, and presentation capabilities.

• Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders (e.g., commercial leads, other finance professionals) to evaluate collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and overall fit with the team and company culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For every project or analysis presented, clearly state the quantifiable results and business impact achieved (e.g., "Identified cost savings of X%," "Improved forecast accuracy by Y%," "Supported initiative that generated Z revenue").

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For case studies, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework that clearly outlines the challenge, your approach, and the outcome.

• Showcase Analytical Rigor: Highlight your analytical process, including the data sources used, methodologies applied, and the insights derived. Demonstrate how you translated data into actionable recommendations.

• Tailor to the Role: Select portfolio pieces that best demonstrate your experience in financial planning, P&L management, business partnering, and working with commercial/operational teams, especially within a multinational FMCG context.

• Presentation Polish: Ensure any presentation slides are professional, visually appealing, and easy to follow, mirroring the quality expected for senior-level communication.

Challenge Preparation:

• Financial Modeling: Be prepared to build or critique a financial model on the spot or as a take-home assignment. Practice with common financial structures for P&L, cash flow, and balance sheets.

• Scenario Analysis: Practice analyzing hypothetical business scenarios (e.g., impact of a new competitor, a supply chain disruption, a pricing change) and articulating the financial implications and recommended actions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms and demonstrate how you would communicate difficult financial news or challenge business assumptions constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The case study/presentation is a critical component. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to showcase their strategic thinking and ability to deliver impactful financial insights, not just their technical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency is paramount for financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting. Expect complex formulas, pivot tables, data manipulation, and financial function usage.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating clear, concise, and persuasive presentations for senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Microsoft SharePoint: Used for document management, collaboration, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning systems like SAP, Oracle, or similar is highly beneficial for accessing financial data and understanding transactional flows.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization and dashboard creation is a plus, especially for reporting and performance monitoring.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not a primary finance tool, understanding how CRM data (sales pipelines, customer information) feeds into financial forecasts and analysis can be advantageous.

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Software: Experience with dedicated FP&A tools (e.g., Anaplan, Oracle Hyperion, Adaptive Insights) would be a strong asset for managing complex planning and forecasting processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is non-negotiable. Experience with enterprise-level ERP systems and BI tools will significantly enhance a candidate's profile, demonstrating their ability to navigate and leverage large datasets common in multinational corporations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven Growth: Unilever emphasizes achieving growth with a clear purpose, balancing financial targets with positive social and environmental impact. This means financial strategies should align with sustainability goals.

• Consumer Love: A core value is to understand and serve consumers, driving decisions that enhance brand loyalty and satisfaction. Finance plays a role in evaluating investments that support this.

• Integrity: Operating with the highest ethical standards is fundamental. Financial reporting and business dealings must be transparent and compliant.

• Drive for Efficiency: As a large FMCG company, continuous improvement and operational efficiency are key. Finance is expected to identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline processes.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Unilever is committed to an equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their "Whole Self" to work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: The finance team operates as a partner to commercial, marketing, and supply chain functions, fostering strong working relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.

• Constructive Challenge: Team members are encouraged to challenge assumptions and decisions constructively, using data and analysis to support their perspectives, driving better outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture of sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across teams and geographies to foster collective growth and problem-solving.

• Agility and Adaptability: In the fast-paced FMCG environment, the team needs to be agile, adapting to market changes and business priorities quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how financial objectives are intertwined with broader company values like sustainability and consumer focus. The ability to collaborate effectively and provide constructive challenge is crucial for success in this business-partnering role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Managing the financial intricacies of multiple business groups (B&W, PC, HC) within a single market (Canada), each with unique dynamics and performance drivers.

• Balancing Global & Local: Aligning local Canadian market strategies and financial performance with Unilever's broader North American and global objectives and reporting standards.

• Driving Responsible Growth: Ensuring that financial targets are met while adhering to Unilever's strong commitments to sustainability and ethical business practices, which can sometimes create competing priorities.

• Data Integration & Accuracy: Working with large, potentially disparate datasets from various systems and regions to ensure accurate financial analysis and reporting.

• Influencing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively communicating financial insights and influencing decision-making across a wide range of stakeholders with varying levels of financial literacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Financial Acumen: Deepen expertise in areas like FMCG financial modeling, international tax implications, and advanced P&L management.

• Strategic Business Leadership: Develop skills in strategic planning, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership through exposure to senior management and complex business challenges.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhance abilities in communicating and collaborating effectively with diverse international teams.

• Digital Transformation: Gain exposure to and potentially work with new financial technologies and data analytics tools being implemented within Unilever.

• Mentorship Programs: Access Unilever's internal mentorship programs to learn from experienced leaders within the finance function and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity to develop strategic financial partnership skills in a dynamic, global industry. Candidates should be prepared to tackle complex financial challenges and leverage them as learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder to change their approach based on your financial analysis. What was the situation, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on influence, data-driven recommendations, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you approach building a financial forecast for a new product launch in the Canadian market, considering potential market uncertainties and competitive pressures?" (Assess forecasting methodology, risk assessment, and strategic thinking).

• "Walk us through your process for analyzing P&L variances. How do you identify the root causes, and what steps do you take to communicate these findings and drive corrective actions?" (Evaluate analytical process, problem-solving, and communication skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Unilever emphasizes 'responsible growth.' How would you ensure that financial decisions support this principle, beyond just maximizing short-term profit?" (Assess understanding of company values and ability to integrate them into financial strategy).

• "Given the hybrid work model, how would you ensure effective collaboration and communication with both your remote and in-office colleagues, especially those in different time zones?" (Evaluate adaptability, communication strategies, and proactiveness).

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you build trust and ensure alignment when working with Sales, Marketing, or Operations?" (Assess collaboration style and ability to build relationships). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and actions, the financial tools/methods used, and the measurable business impact or outcome.

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives. What was the challenge? How did you tackle it? What was the resolution and what did you learn?

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers and data to support your claims. Highlight ROI, cost savings, revenue impact, or efficiency gains achieved.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodologies, assumptions, and the challenges you faced. Be ready to defend your analysis and thought process.

• Connect to Unilever: Where possible, subtly link your experience and approach to Unilever's stated values (e.g., consumer focus, sustainability, drive for efficiency).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative, business-partnering mindset. Demonstrating an understanding of the FMCG industry and Unilever's specific values will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections of the application are completed thoroughly.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key projects demonstrating your financial modeling, P&L management, business partnering, and strategic analysis skills, specifically tailored to the responsibilities outlined in this job description.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience in commercial finance, P&L ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and advanced English fluency. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics and results.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that showcase your ability to influence, analyze complex data, and drive financial performance. Prepare your case study presentation, ensuring it is clear, impactful, and directly addresses potential business challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Unilever's brands, recent performance, sustainability initiatives, and their approach to the North American market. Understand their commitment to "responsible growth" and how finance contributes to it.

⚠️ 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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