Finance Analyst - Business & Performance Controlling, Cologne

Finance Analyst - Business & Performance Controlling, Cologne

About Barilla

At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence.

Today, Barilla is an international group present in more than 100 countries and we are proud to be recognized as the world’s top food company by reputation. With 22 beloved brands in our portfolio, we are world leader for pasta, the number one choice for ready-made sauces in Europe, leader for bakery products in Italy, and for crispbread across Scandinavia with Wasa.

Our success story is written by a passionate team of almost 9,000 dedicated employees across 30 plants and offices worldwide, all united by a shared mission to nourish the future with purpose and passion.

Are you ready to add your unique flavor to our journey?

Job Description

As Finance Analyst (f_m_d) - Business & Performance Controlling, you will take ownership of defined financial planning, forecasting, performance analysis and reporting activities across the Central & Northern Europe Region. Combining cost controlling with business performance analysis, the role offers direct exposure to category, marketing, functional teams and management. Working closely with stakeholders across the region, you will translate financial data into actionable insights, contribute to business decisions and build a strong understanding of the key drivers behind performance.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to drive financial visibility and support sustainable business growth through accurate forecasting, insightful analysis, and proactive performance management. By identifying risks and opportunities, challenging assumptions, and providing decision support to key stakeholders, you will help optimize business performance and contribute to the achievement of regional financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the planning, forecasting and performance tracking of marketing investments, overhead expenses and selected business categories across the region, with guidance from the Finance Manager where required.
• Analyse financial and business performance against budget and forecast, identify key drivers, risks and opportunities, and develop well-founded recommendations for business stakeholders.
• Act as a finance contact for Marketing, Category and Functional teams, evaluating initiatives, monitoring investment effectiveness and connecting business priorities with financial targets.
• Coordinate monthly closing, forecasting and reporting activities for your areas of responsibility, ensuring accurate, timely and actionable insights for management reviews and performance discussions.
• Contribute to the annual budget and quarterly forecasting cycles by coordinating stakeholder inputs and ensuring consistency across plans, assumptions and systems.
• Prepare and present management materials and performance reviews, translating complex financial data into clear messages and highlighting topics that require attention or action.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to a working student and coordinate assigned reporting, financial administration and controlling activities, supporting quality and timely execution.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Controlling, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• First practical experience in Controlling, Finance or Accounting through internships, working student roles or an initial professional position; experience with SAP R/3 is a plus.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with financial reporting and planning tools is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights.
• A collaborative and proactive working style, with the confidence to engage with stakeholders across functions and levels.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; German is a plus.

Our Offer

• Take on meaningful responsibility and gain broad visibility in an international environment, supporting your growth along an individual career path.
• Develop your potential through structured on-the-job learning, regular feedback, targeted training and mentoring.
• Benefit from flexibility through our hybrid working model, with up to 40% Smart Working from home.
• Help shape an inclusive workplace by getting involved in national and international Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
• Benefit from complimentary pasta, crispbread, fresh fruit, and vegetables as part of our commitment to employee well-being.
• Work in an attractive, modern office with excellent access to public transportation.
• Stay active and enjoy a range of benefits, including support for your Urban Sports Club membership, bike leasing opportunities, and exclusive discounts through our Corporate Benefits platform.
• Become part of a dynamic and motivated team with an inclusive, positive culture and flat hierarchies.

At Barilla, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity in all its forms is valued and embraced. Our employment policies and practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, color, citizenship, faith, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or characteristics of expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal employment stems from our unwavering belief that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a fundamental driver of innovation and business success.