Unilever is presenting an exceptional opportunity for aspiring finance professionals through its Finance Unilever Winter Internship Programme. As a renowned global leader in the consumer goods industry, Unilever is dedicated to shaping future business leaders through its prestigious Future Leaders Programme.

This internship is crafted to not only provide essential skills in finance and business management but also to prepare interns for significant leadership roles within the company and the broader industry in the future.

Finance Unilever Winter Internship Overview

  • Location: La Lucia, Durban, South Africa
  • Type: Full Time
  • Job Requisition ID: R-87546

Core Purpose of the Internship

The primary goal of the Finance Unilever Winter Internship is to immerse interns deeply into the strategic financial planning and operational logistics at Unilever. Key responsibilities for interns will include:

    • Interns will take charge of developing and managing a comprehensive demand plan for their assigned product portfolio. This plan will span a forecast period ranging from the immediate present up to 18 months into the future.
    • A critical aspect of the role involves overseeing the supply chain processes to ensure seamless stock availability and the efficient delivery of finished products to various markets.

Minimum Requirements for the Finance Unilever Winter Internship

To be eligible for the Finance Unilever Winter Internship, applicants must meet the following educational criteria:

  1. Current Academic Enrollment:
    • Applicants must be actively pursuing a University degree in fields related to:
      • Management Accounting
      • Business Science
      • Similar finance-related disciplines
  2. Preferred Academic Pursuit:
    • A strong preference is given to students who are considering further education towards becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) after completing their current studies.
  3. Specific Course Requirements:
    • Enrolment in the following courses is required:
      • Accounts 2 (Intermediate Financial Accounting)
      • Accounts 3 (Advanced Financial Accounting)

Key Skills Required

Interns will need to demonstrate a robust set of skills to thrive in this dynamic role:

  • Strong analytical and statistical skills to manage and interpret complex data sets.
  • Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration across teams.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
  • Keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Main Responsibilities

Interns will undertake a range of critical tasks aimed at enhancing their understanding and capabilities in financial forecasting and supply chain management:

  1. Demand Planning and Validation: Collaborate with the Commercial and Brand Building (CD&BB) team to validate demand forecasts and ensure they align with business objectives.
  2. Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP): Engage in monthly S&OP meetings to discuss and refine portfolio assumptions, volume estimations, and data management in the APO system.
  3. Data Analysis and Forecasting: Conduct detailed reviews of historical sales and market data, and propose statistical models to enhance forecast accuracy.
  4. KPI Management: Deliver on key performance indicators such as Forecast Bias, Accuracy, Demand Response, and Obsolete Stock Management.
  5. Innovation and Relaunch Management: Play a role in the management of product innovations and relaunches, ensuring smooth transitions in the supply chain.
  6. Risk Management: Proactively identify potential supply risks and communicate these effectively to the Manufacturing and Supply Office (MSO).

Performance Evaluation

Intern performance will be evaluated periodically based on:

  • Fulfillment of job responsibilities.
  • Achievement of personal and team objectives set and agreed upon with the line manager.
  • Quality of work presence, including adherence to work schedules and company policies.
  • Interpersonal skills and teamwork capabilities.

How to Apply for the Finance Unilever Winter Internship

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their applications to become part of Unilever’s transformative Winter Internship Programme in Finance. Here’s how you can apply:

    • Gather and update your resume to reflect your relevant education and any work experience.
    • Draft a cover letter that highlights your interest in the internship, your relevant skills, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
    • Visit the Unilever Careers Page
    • Complete the online application form with your personal and educational details.
    • Upload your resume and cover letter where indicated.
    • Review your application to ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting.
    • Once submitted, make sure to regularly check your email (including the spam/junk folder) for any updates or follow-up communications from Unilever.
    • If you require any special accommodations during the application or interview process, please specify your needs in the application or contact Unilever’s HR department directly.

The Finance Unilever Winter Internship Programme is more than an internship; it is a stepping stone to a promising future in business leadership. For ambitious, forward-thinking students, this programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to jumpstart their careers in a globally respected company, driving change and innovation in the industry.

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