Ice Cream – ERP Finance Data Model Lead

Note: Deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the Job Posting End Date.

UNILEVER IS LOOKING FOR AN ICE CREAM – ERP Finance Data Model Lead

Location: The Netherlands (Amsterdam), UKI (100 VE)

Full-time: Yes

Local conditions apply  

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will consider candidates based in the set locations. If you are based outside of these locations and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but at this stage we will not take your application forward. We will only consider your application if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the set locations.

ABOUT UNILEVER

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 want our business to flourish, and we know that our success depends on others flourishing around us. That's why our purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace, and why sustainable, long-term growth is at the heart of our business model.   

ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream

 Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), a strong presence in over 60 countries, generating annual revenue of €8 billion. All brands are driven to transform moments into memories through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win. 

We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by November 2025. Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered under a different ownership structure.  

We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we’re crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.  

JOB PURPOSE:

We are seeking a Finance Data Model Lead to drive the design, governance, and implementation of a robust financial data framework for our ERP transformation. This role will ensure data consistency, integrity, and scalability across financial reporting, accounting, and compliance processes.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in finance data modeling, ERP implementations, and master data governance, working closely with cross-functional teams to build a future-proof financial data structure.

This role will exist for the project implementation duration, expected to be 2.5-3 years.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Finance Data Model Strategy & Design:

  • Define and implement the finance data model to support global financial and management reporting, statutory and tax compliance.

  • Ensure alignment with IFRS (group accounting policies), local GAAP, and regulatory requirements.

  • Establish data hierarchies, standard naming conventions, and data governance structures.

  • Partner with R2R, MR, FP&A and Tax teams to design financial data structures that enhance reporting efficiency.

• ERP Implementation & Transformation:

  • Lead the finance data workstream for the ERP project, ensuring seamless integration across General Ledger, Fixed Assets, Intercompany, and Consolidation.

  • Collaborate with IT teams to configure ERP financial data structures, including chart of accounts, cost centers, and other reporting dimensions.

  • Support automation initiatives to streamline data reconciliation and financial reporting.

• Data Governance & Compliance:

  • Develop data governance policies to maintain data quality, consistency, and security.

  • Work closely with audit and compliance teams to meet regulatory requirements.

  • Implement data validation controls to minimize errors and ensure accurate financial reporting.

  • Partner with business units to harmonize finance master data across global markets.

• Data Migration & Archiving:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive data migration strategy to ensure accurate transfer of financial data from legacy systems to the new ERP.

  • Oversee data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) processes, ensuring data integrity and completeness.

  • Define data validation and reconciliation steps to minimize errors and ensure financial accuracy post-migration.

  • Establish a data archiving framework to store historical financial data in compliance with regulatory requirements and audit needs.

  • Collaborate with IT and Finance teams to define data retention policies and ensure secure storage of archived financial records.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

  • Act as the Finance Data SME, liaising with Finance, IT, and Business Leaders.

  • Work closely with the R2R Lead, MR Lead, FP&A and Tax teams to ensure alignment of finance data structures.

  • Train and support finance teams on best practices for data governance and ERP usage.

  • Drive change management efforts to promote a data-driven culture within the finance organization.

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Manage and mentor a team of finance data specialists, ensuring high performance and collaboration.

  • Provide strategic direction and hands-on support to the team in data governance, migration, and reporting design.

  • Foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.

• Test, Validate, and Optimize:

  • Lead the testing and validation of finance data models within the ERP system.

  • Conduct data reconciliation and integrity checks to ensure accurate and reliable reporting.

  • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for optimization, proposing enhancements to improve financial data structures.

  • Collaborate with IT and finance teams to troubleshoot issues, refine configurations, and optimize performance before go-live.

  • Establish ongoing monitoring and improvement mechanisms to maintain data accuracy and efficiency post-implementation.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

Vision and Expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in R2R, financial reporting, or general ledger management, preferably in a global organization.

• 3+ years of experience leading teams in finance data management or ERP implementation.

• Strong understanding of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday, or similar) and financial data transformation.

Strategic Insight:

• Deep understanding of financial data structures, master data management, and data governance.

• Experience in data migration, data archiving, and ERP configuration.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven mindset.

Collaborative Leadership:

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage cross-functional teams.

• Proven ability to drive change, influence decisions, and inspire teams in a dynamic environment.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!   

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus and share scheme.  

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.   

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.   

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.   

• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.  For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office, you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products. 

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products.    

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).  

• Home work allowance 

• Company laptop and mobile phone 

• Green Mobility Policy 

EXCITED?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.  

Looking forward to meeting you!    

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.   

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against.

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

NOTE: Please save a copy of this vacancy for personal use as it will disappear from the website after closing of the role.