Finance & M&A (m/f/d) - Graduate Program

Our 24-month Graduate Program offers you a structured entry into finance and M&A at Holtzbrinck. Through four rotations in group & investment controlling, M&A, and project-based roles, you will develop a strong foundation in financial analysis, strategic decision-making, and transaction processes, while also exploring topics such as AI-driven finance.

From day one, you will take on responsibility, contribute to cross-functional projects, and continuously develop your skills in a dynamic and international environment. You will also have the opportunity to complete one of your rotations in an international business unit, gaining broad insights into our group and building a strong internal network.

The program is designed to prepare you for a range of roles in finance, M&A, and strategy across the group, with development paths shaped by your strengths and interests.

• You will work on a wide range of operational and strategic finance topics (e.g. group & investment controlling and performance management) as well as M&A activities. You will contribute to core finance processes and strategic projects, gaining hands-on experience, exposure to senior stakeholders, and building deep functional expertise.

As part of a collaborative and driven environment, you will:

• Conduct in-depth financial, performance, market and portfolio analyses, deriving actionable insights on KPIs and key value drivers
• Support core finance processes such as financial reporting, group consolidation, and planning, and contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of finance systems, with a focus on data quality and transparency
• Prepare decision-making materials, reports, and presentations for Senior Management, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board
• Contribute to M&A activities, including target screening, financial modelling, transaction execution and due diligence processes
• Develop and enhance business intelligence solutions, automation, and AI-driven steering tools (e.g. dashboards, forecasting approaches, KPI frameworks)

We are looking for analytically strong and driven graduates with a keen interest in finance, M&A, and the role of finance in shaping business decisions and driving value creation.

What you bring

• Strong academic background in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• Solid understanding of financial concepts (e.g. financial statements, valuation basics, financial planning)
• Initial practical experience in finance, controlling, consulting, M&A or related areas (e.g. internships or working student roles)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and derive actionable insights
• Hands-on experience with analytical tools (e.g. Excel) and first exposure to financial modelling
• High level of ownership and accountability, with the ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
• Structured and reliable way of working, combined with a strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills in German and English and the ability to present complex topics in a clear and concise way
• Curiosity for and a solid understanding of data, automation, and AI – particularly in a finance context

• A full-time, permanent position within a 24-month Graduate Program, offering long-term career opportunities beyond the program within our group
• Close collaboration with a small, driven team of experienced finance professionals
• Dedicated mentoring and personalized development throughout the program, including tailored learning opportunities
• A learning-focused environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and continuous growth
• A flexible, hybrid setup in Stuttgart or Munich
• A supportive work culture with a strong focus on collaboration and work-life balance