Finance Trainee (m/f/d)

Company Description

About EIT RawMaterials

As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources, and this is where EIT RawMaterials steps in.

EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials.

The Role

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Trainee (m/f/d) to join our Finance team for a structured two-year development programme . This role is designed for individuals eager to gain hands-on experience across the full spectrum of finance operations—from bookkeeping to compliance, budgeting, audits, and financial reporting.

Throughout the programme, the trainee will rotate through key finance responsibilities, receive on-the-job training, and gradually take ownership of tasks under the guidance of experienced finance professionals.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Areas

1. Bookkeeping & Financial Records

• Learn to maintain accurate and timely financial records.

• Support in processing invoices, payments, and journal entries.

• Assist with reconciliation of accounts, ledgers, and bank statements.

2. Preparation of Financial Statements

• Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.

• Support the creation of balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other internal financial reports.

3. Cost Tracking & Allocation

• Learn how to monitor expenditure across cost centers and projects.

• Assist in allocating direct and indirect costs in line with internal and funder requirements.

4. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in annual budget planning processes.

• Contribute to regular re-forecasting based on actuals and updated assumptions.

• Develop understanding of financial modeling and scenario planning.

5. Cash Flow Forecasting

• Support in preparing cash flow projections.

• Learn to monitor liquidity needs and analyse variances between forecasted and actual cash flows.

6. Bank Relationships & Treasury Support

• Assist in preparing documents and reports required by banks.

• Learn to support treasury-related tasks, such as payments scheduling and cash management.

7. Grant Reporting

• Gain experience in preparing financial reports for grantors and funding bodies.

• Learn to interpret funding rules, cost eligibility, and reporting timelines.

8. Procurement Support

• Support procurement processes, ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.

• Learn about vendor selection, contract tracking, and procurement documentation.

9. Billing & Cash Collection

• Assist in issuing invoices and following up on outstanding payments.

• Learn how to track receivables and support cash collection processes.

10. Audits (Statutory, CFS, ExPost)

• Support preparations for statutory and project-specific audits.

• Learn to gather evidence, organise documentation, and communicate with auditors.

• Gain exposure to compliance checks and post-audit follow-up activities.

11. Compliance

• Learn to apply internal controls and ensure adherence to financial policies.

• Support compliance checks related to grants, procurements, and financial reporting.

What You Will Gain

• A comprehensive understanding of core finance operations.

• Hands-on experience with accounting tools

• Exposure to grant-funded project financial management.

• Insight into audit processes and compliance requirements.

• Mentoring from experienced finance professionals.

• A solid foundation for future roles such as Junior Accountant, Financial Analyst, or Grants Finance Officer.

Requirements

• Degree (or final-semester student) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.

• Strong interest in building a career in Finance.

• Good analytical and numerical skills.

• Detail-oriented with a proactive and structured working style.

• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and take initiative.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team.

• Proficiency in MS Excel; familiarity with accounting systems is a plus.

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in both English and German (written and spoken) at a professional working level is essential.

• Ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and confidently in both languages across internal and external stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

This trainee program offers a unique opportunity to build a strong finance foundation through real responsibilities, learning opportunities, and mentoring. By the end of the 24-month programme, you will have gained valuable competencies across financial operations, reporting, budgeting, and compliance—preparing you for a long-term career in the field.

Our Recruitment Process

The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen.

1. Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English.

2. Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and recruitment team.

3. Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and HR.

4. Offer: If successful, receive an offer to join our team.

Ready to shape the future with us? Apply now.