MONICA GRAY, MANAGER FINANCE CATEGORY CHOCOLATE UK

What do I love about working at MDLZ? Our brands, I love working with such well-known brands, that people have grown up with and genuinely enjoy.

Monica Gray

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

We asked Monica to share her insights into what it’s like to be part of our Makers and Bakers at MDLZ.

Tell us about your career journey at MDLZ

I joined the Finance graduate scheme in 2013. I’ve worked in both our Bournville and Uxbridge sites, working in Commercial Finance (working with our Bakery, Meals and Chocolate categories over the last 5 years), Manufacturing Finance, FP&A and Internal Controls.

What do you like about working at MDLZ?

Our brands, I love working with such well-known brands, that people have grown up with and genuinely enjoy. It’s always an easy conversation starter when meeting someone new!

Can you give us an example of how you stepped outside your comfort-zone in this role?

Taking the lead on DE&I for our Northern Europe Finance team, setting up a Reverse Mentoring scheme and opening up more conversations on a topic which can often feel uncomfortable but is so crucial to our culture.

What is your biggest learning experience since working with us?

Working on my first annual planning cycle. It was a great experience to see the cross-functional team come together to build a plan for the following year capturing internal and external insights and exciting innovation. Being part of a team that can challenge each other and build upon each other’s insights to get to the best possible place is always a really inspiring and rewarding experience.

How would you describe the work culture at Mondelēz International and within your function?

Flexible and open. Whether it’s openness to cross-functional moves, openness to hear your opinion or openness to learn and understand more. It’s one of the things I enjoy the most.

What is your favourite brand?

Dairylea – very happy memories of opening a Dairylea triangle after a day at school. A wonderful nostalgic feeling whenever I open that silver foil.

What advice would you give someone that wants to join MDLZ in the Finance function?

Finance in MDLZ is so much more than numbers and spreadsheets. You really are a valued member of a cross-functional team. Your opinions and voice matter, whether it’s about the financials or otherwise!