Logistics Accountant

Join us as Logistics Accountant – Supply Chain

Function - Supply Chain Finance

Work Level - 1CU

Reports to - Supply Chain Finance Manager:
Assets & Logistics Manager

Scope - South Africa

Location - Durban or Johannesburg

Terms & Conditions - Full-time

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance.

At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Supply Chain Accountant to support the financial management of inventory, Business Waste, and Supply Chain Indirects (SCI). The role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong governance and controls, balance sheet integrity, and delivering meaningful insights to support business decision‑making and continuous improvement across the Supply Chain.

• Logistics Cost Reporting & Month-End Close

  • Own the month-end accounting and reporting cycle for logistics costs, ensuring complete and accurate recognition of warehousing, transport, distribution, handling, and related service costs.

  • Prepare and post journals, accruals, provisions, reclasses, and settlement corrections with clear supporting documentation and appropriate approval.

  • Reconcile logistics-related general ledger and balance sheet accounts, investigate variances, and drive timely clearance of reconciling items.

  • Validate actual costs against contracts, agreed rates, purchase orders, service entries, and operational volumes.

  • Provide a concise month-end performance narrative covering key movements, risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.

• Planning, Forecasting & Performance Management

  • Lead logistics budgeting, forecasting, and latest‑estimate processes in collaboration with operational and finance stakeholders.

  • Analyse actuals versus budget, forecast, and prior year, separating rate, volume, mix, fuel, route, storage, detention, and other relevant drivers.

  • Maintain credible full-year outlooks and ensure known operational changes, timing shifts, and contractual impacts are reflected promptly.

  • Develop and monitor logistics cost and productivity metrics, linking financial outcomes to operational performance and service levels.

  • Identify cost pressures and opportunities early and recommend practical mitigating actions. the Business Waste and SLOBs (Slow Moving and Obsolete Stock) reporting process.

• Supply Chain Indirects (SCI)

  • Manage Supply Chain Indirect cost reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.

  • Provide financial analysis and challenge cost drivers to improve spending efficiency.

  • Support stakeholders in identifying productivity initiatives and cost‑saving opportunities.

  • Monitor SCI expenditure against budget and provide timely insights into performance and risks.

  • Drive accountability through robust financial reporting and governance processes.

• Governance, Controls & Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with internal control requirements, accounting policies, and governance standards.

  • Prepare and post journals, accruals, provisions, and month‑end adjustments.

  • Support balance sheet reviews and ensure timely clearance of reconciling items.

  • Maintain strong financial controls and continuously identify opportunities to simplify, standardise, and automate processes.

  • Support audit activities and ensure full compliance with audit and control requirements.

• Business Partnering

  • Build strong relationships with Supply Chain, Planning, Logistics, Manufacturing, and Finance stakeholders.

  • Provide financial insights and recommendations…