FMCG finance director: Fluid skillsets are critical in 2021

When including finance team customers, Magdalena Wereda-Kolasińska, FCMA, CGMA, finance director at Unilever Poland AS, appears to be like for finance gurus with fluid skillsets who can reflect and react to the really dynamic character of the FMCG sector.

Wereda-Kolasińska, also a member of the Supervisory Board at Unilever, explained what she typically appears to be for in opportunity new staff members — as perfectly as what she asks candidates who are interviewing for a Unilever finance vacancy.

FM interviewed Wereda-Kolasińska to uncover out the most important techniques she seems to be for in new expertise, and to realize success in just the organisation.

Can you describe the using the services of outlook inside of your finance staff for 2021?

Wereda-Kolasińska: This year will be challenging for my crew and Unilever, as it has been just about one 12 months of functioning solely in the virtual world (throughout which we have not physically seen just about every other).

Concerning our employing outlook inside finance, this will depend on our wants and spending budget prospects. As our small business ecosystem is regularly altering, we need to have to adjust continuously to present-day requires — constantly earning certain that we have the appropriate talent to satisfy the organization demands.

For the second, we have a complete staff, but as we are running in FMCG, our composition normally requires to mirror business enterprise desires … which could possibly alter within a couple months. For instance, if a new distribution channel seems, then we would both demand new human assets or search at altering the present resource allocation.

Are there any unique finance techniques, qualities, or specialisations now in need at the organisation?

Wereda-Kolasińska: We have to have experienced individuals with at least a couple exams passed in CIMA, ideally, as we are a business enterprise-oriented team which requirements these kinds of competencies to produce value to our stakeholders. These critical competencies include effective major knowledge assessment and the ability to validate if business enterprise situations are feasible or not.

What are some of the precise “hard skills” that you are on the lookout for in new hires?

Wereda-Kolasińska: I am interested in obtaining group customers with advanced know-how of administration accounting, Excel, BI applications and an open-minded method with the ability to “connect the dots”, which are usually not really noticeable.

What are some of the most crucial “soft skills” you are looking for?

Wereda-Kolasińska: I imagine that in particular in today’s situation — in which we are functioning just about — we have to have to adapt to this new environment as rapidly as achievable. We need to have folks with a mature approach to tasks, fantastic “people skills” (these as having empathy and listening attentively), the capability to support other team associates, and a concentrate on personal advancement.

How is digitisation and the growing automation of selected finance functions going to impact the using the services of outlook at Unilever in the next quite a few many years?

Wereda-Kolasińska: I feel that not only in Unilever but in other providers, automation will alter our way of functioning.

We will require persons who are experienced in accurate financial examination and in delivering recommendations (in addition to possessing the technical expertise to get ready datasets and/or stories).

Which abilities travel promotions inside of the finance function at your organisation?

Wereda-Kolasińska: Promotions within just Unilever are remarkably correlated with achievements in finance parts, and they count on acquiring sets of techniques such as leadership, individual mastery, doing the job effectively with other folks, and obtaining a demanding and curious mindset.

If we are going to encourage a person to a managerial posture, we attempt to give them correct tasks in buy to check out if the man or woman is completely ready for a new stage in her/his vocation. These duties could include things like the delegation and administration of jobs and modest jobs to deliver on anticipated outputs.

How does Unilever support finance group associates in their qualified progress?

Wereda-Kolasińska: At Unilever, we have a great deal of inside resources for producing techniques and enhancing information. For occasion, some of our team members have mentors who assistance them in their advancement journey. We also supply e-finding out opportunities throughout any subject areas which might be appealing for our men and women.

If you were being just starting off out in your management accounting occupation, which skills or features of finance would you be focusing on to get a aggressive edge?

Wereda-Kolasińska: 1st of all, basic administration accounting guidelines and money accounting basics. Economic analysis techniques are also vital for developing a common language with the company. In addition, the ability to critique business enterprise cases and knowledge of economic applications to assess and make selections all over irrespective of whether to devote or not … these are all extremely valuable in starting a vocation in finance.

How can candidates finest showcase their skills and finance working experience in a position job interview, especially if it is virtual?

Wereda-Kolasińska: The greatest proof that candidates have the required expertise and are able to be a part of us is by providing concrete examples of economic investigation function and also illustrations of lessons which they uncovered from former roles/projects.

What features and values does Unilever search for in new hires?

Wereda-Kolasińska: We are fascinated in finding persons who fully grasp our values, like caring about the setting and supporting inclusivity and diversity in society.

— Jessica Hubbard is a freelance writer based in the United kingdom. To remark on this report or to suggest an idea for an additional posting, call Drew Adamek, an FM magazine senior editor, at [email protected].