To: Dean Shaffer
From: Rebecca Balok
Subject: Job Ad Analysis
1. Why did you choose this job ad? How do you feel that you are qualified for the position?
I chose this specific job ad through indeed.com. I’ve used indeed.com and I find it quite
savvy in job searches, and it has a nice filtration system. To minimize my search options, I
looked for Supply Chain Analyst jobs that pay $110,000 +. I finally came across an open
Financial Analyst (Supply Chain) job, working for Nestle USA. Nestle is a well-known
company, so I thought it would appeal to me. The position requires the applicant to act as an
expert in regards to Costing Standards for Distribution. Although I’m not particularly an
‘expert’, I can easily fill the key competencies (listed under question 4).
I am also held back from this particular position because my experience doesn’t exactly
live up to the qualifications. I lack 3-5 years financial analysis experience, business objects
experience, and exemplary Access skills. However, I do qualify for the Bachelor Degree
required, analysis, forecasting, budgeting experience, SAP/Oracle experience, and supply chain
knowledge. So, overall, I feel they would hire me if it were not for my lack of experience in said
field.
2. How long has the ad been posted? If it has been posted for a long period of time, are you sure
that the position is still available? How?
This specific ad was posted three days ago on June 27th. Since it was in fact posted
recently, I am sure that the position is still available. If the opening were to be closed, I’m sure
they would have taken down the job ad or closed the application process.
3. Where is the company located?
Nestle USA is located all over the United States. They have four corporate locations, 32
manufacturing locations, and 5 distribution centers. This particular posting, however, is for
Glendale, CA.
4. What skills is this prospective employer seeking, from most important to least important?
(bulleted list)
Key competencies:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Strong analytical and modeling skills (Check)
Good communication skills (Check)
Strong interpersonal skills (Check)
Must be able to balance technical skills with business knowledge (Double Check)
Must be able to effectively deal with detail as well as think globally (Check)
Leadership qualities (Check)
Result focused (Check)
Travel may be require (Can do)
5. What exceptional skills do you have that prove you to be invaluable to this company or
organization? Remember that your resume is not a record of what you’ve done, but a persuasive
document that proves indisputably that you are the best person for the job.
There are quite a few exceptional skills I possess that prove me to be valuable to this
company. They specifically ask for someone who is able to balance technical skills with business
knowledge, which is actually what my major involves. As an IBE, I learn to do this quite
effectively. I am also in the process of receiving my SAP certificate, thus, I have the ERP
experience they are asking for. Many people do not study SAP or Oracle in school, so the fact
that I will be certified in such really sets me apart.
6. Create a two column table. In the left column, list the skills, professional experience,
personality traits, etc., the job ad is asking for. In the right column, elaborate on and illustrate
your skills, experience, etc.
Strong analytical and modeling skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Must be able to balance technical skills with
business knowledge
Leadership qualities
Strong project management skills
Taken a variety of classes in managing
information systems, analysis, and 3-D and 2D modeling. Not exactly strong in this area,
but have a basic understanding of these skills
and the ability to learn.
Taking Personal Selling and related classes, I
have developed a strong ability to
communicate between people. CRM is my
specialty.
Majoring in Interdisciplinary Business with
Engineering, balancing technical skills with
business knowledge is not a problem. This is
exactly what I go to school for.
Currently acting as the mock leader in a
summer project involving other interns.
Elected project manager by the group.
Accepted a job as a project manager intern.
Very savvy in Gantt charts and all PM related
SAP/Oracle or other ERP experience
Proven track record working in crossfunctional teams
Expert Excel and Access skills (SQL a plus)
Supply Chain knowledge a plus
software.
Will obtain my SAP certificate by the time of
graduation. Taken various classes about ERP’s
and can easily fulfil this qualification.
Teamwork is required every day, especially for
a college student. Many business projects
given in class are done with a team so that we
can gain cross-functional experience.
Very excel savvy, use it for many classes and
job functions. Microsoft Access is a skill I
need to brush up on, but can easily put in the
effort to learn.
Second to Technical Sales, I major in Supply
Chain Management.
7. Did you know anything about the company before you saw the job ad?
I certainly knew about the Nestle company before I saw the job ad. I live right near one
of their factories and get to see their bird logo every other day. I grew up eating their brand,
Nesquik being my favorite. Nestle is no stranger to me, and can easily be identified by more than
half the population of the United States.
8. Does the company have a website? What is the URL?
Yes. http://www.nestleusa.com/
9. What is the mission statement of the company?
Nestlé is...
...the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company. Our mission of
"Good Food, Good Life" is to provide consumers with the best tasting, most nutritious
choices in a wide range of food and beverage categories and eating occasions, from
morning to night.
10. What are keywords on the website that you can use in your cover letter and interview? (list)
Relevant keywords:




Leadership
Value
Diversity
Team



Structure
Inspired
Integrity
11. Write a few sentences about the history of the company. Remember that it is essential for you
to learn as much about the company as possible; you can use such knowledge for your cover
letter and interview.
Henri Nestle, a German pharmacist, founded the company in 1867. As an immigrant
himself, he was turning his company towards international expansion from the very start. Henri
Nestle embodied many of the key attributes and values that form Nestle today: pragmatism,
flexibility, the willingness to learn, an open mind, and respect for other people and cultures. Fast
forward in time to 1948, Nesquik, the instant chocolate drink, was developed. Then, in 2007,
Nestle officially acquired Novartis Medical Nutrition, Gerber, and Henniez. Shortly after, Kraft
Foods’ frozen pizza business was acquired. Now, in 2014, Nestle extended their activities to
include specialized, medical skin treatments through Nestle Skin Health S.A. Henri Nestle
certainly knew what he was doing when he opened his business 148 years ago.
12. Based on your research, what is your personal sense about the company? What do you feel
the company values?
Based on my research, I have a pretty good personal sense about the company. They
value nutrition, health, and wellness. They value integrity coupled with a strong work ethic and
friendly, open and honest communication. I sense a great passion for their products and brands
and they really strive to provide their consumers the ability to live the “Good Life”.
Ad:
"Career Opportunities." Nestlé. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 July 2015.
https://nestleusa.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=15004621&lang=en&src=JB-10172.
Job Description
Financial Analyst (Supply Chain)-15004621
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position will serve as the expert in accounting and analysis related to Fixed and Variable
Distribution P&L line items. Key responsibilities include running the month-end close process,
providing monthly variance analysis, forecasting/budgeting distribution costs, and
presentations to senior management. This role has a strong technical component and project
management. Individual will work in a dynamic environment where continuous improvement
is expected and will have interaction with Distribution personnel, Divisional Finance groups
and Supply Chain across the United States. Strong communication skills, proven team focus
and the ability to be results focused with minimal supervision are required for this position.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Act as an expert in regards to Costing Standards for Distribution (CSD), activity-based cost
allocation for distribution:
• Understanding all fixed and variable distribution costs across Nestle businesses and their
allocations
• Strong analytics, project management, and communication to all divisions and senior
management
• Co-Pilot with Divisions to explain allocations, variances and the root causes of the variances
Responsible for modeling, project scenarios, budget process:
• In-depth knowledge of the source data systems, drivers/attributes, and technical design with
relation to other systems
• Able to create models, change models and understand financial and operational impact of
changes
• Co-ordinate budget process. Understand source data and meet with providers to ensure the
proper format. Validate inputs and outputs.
• Co-ordinate with Divisions and Supply chain on budget process and results.
Commentary & Reporting:
• Robust commentary for monthly results
• Create & analyze month-end reports for divisions
• Develop allocation forecasts for divisions
Work on Special Projects.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL:
Key competencies:
• Strong analytical and modeling skills
• Must be able to effectively deal with detail as well as think globally
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Must be able to balance technical skills with business knowledge
• Good communication skills
• Result focused
• Leadership qualities
• Travel may be required
Minimum educational level:
• Bachelor Degree required. Equivalent experience in financial capacity will be considered.
EXPERIENCE:
• 3-5 years financial analysis experience
• Expert Excel and Access skills (SQL a plus)
• Proven track record working in cross-functional teams
• Costing Standards and basic Accounting knowledge
• Experienced in communication with peers and senior management
• Analysis, forecasting, budgeting experience
• Strong project management skills
• SAP/Oracle or other ERP experience
• Business Objects experience
• Supply Chain knowledge a plus
EOE M/F/D/V
Nestle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is looking for diversity in candidates for
employment. All candidates must apply online at Nestlejobs.com
Job
Finance / Accounting / Audit
Primary Location
US-CA-Los Angeles-Glendale
Organization
Nestle USA
Schedule
Full-time
Unposting Date
Ongoing