Finance Analyst - Business & Performance Controlling, Cologne

In this Finance Analyst role, you will own planning, forecasting, and performance tracking for marketing investments, overheads, and key categories across the Central & Northern Europe region. You will translate financial data into actionable insights to support regional decision-making and performance optimization. You’ll collaborate with Marketing, Category, and Functional teams to connect business priorities with financial targets. The position offers exposure to cross-functional stakeholders and opportunities to influence budgeting, reporting, and strategic initiatives within Barilla’s international context.

• hybrid working model with up to 40% Smart Working from home
• inclusive Diversity & Inclusion initiatives
• complimentary pasta, crispbread, fruit and vegetables
• Urban Sports Club membership support
• bike leasing opportunities
• corporate benefits discounts

• Own planning, forecasting and performance tracking for marketing investments, overheads, and selected business categories across the region
• Analyse financial performance vs budget/forecast, identify drivers, risks and opportunities, and recommend actions
• Act as finance contact for Marketing, Category and Functional teams, assessing initiatives and monitoring investment effectiveness
• Coordinate monthly closing, forecasting and reporting for areas of responsibility, delivering timely insights for management reviews
• Contribute to annual budget and quarterly forecasts by coordinating stakeholder inputs and ensuring consistency across plans
• Prepare and present management materials, translating complex data into clear messages and highlight areas needing attention
• Provide day-to-day guidance to a working student and coordinate reporting, financial administration and controlling activities

• Bachelor’s degree in Controlling, Finance, Accounting, or related discipline
• First practical experience in Controlling, Finance or Accounting (internships/working student/entry role); SAP R/3 is a plus
• Strong command of Microsoft Office, especially Excel; familiarity with financial reporting/planning tools is advantageous
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail and ability to translate data into insights
• Collaborative and proactive working style with ability to engage with stakeholders across functions and levels
• Fluency in English; German is a plus

• collaborative
• proactive
• attention to detail
• SAP R/3
• Microsoft Excel
• financial reporting tools