Financial Planning & Analysis (M/W) (V.I.E Contract)

For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence.

Driven by our core values of passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our 3-billion euro enterprise collaborates with visionary customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bioactives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition.

Why Milwaukee ? Located in Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers a strong balance between economic vitality and high quality of life. As a major industrial and innovation hub in the Midwest, the city hosts a diverse network of international companies and provides a solid, structured environment for professional development.

Choosing a VIE in Milwaukee means enjoying a rich experience, a pleasant living environment and real opportunities to boost your career while living a unique adventure ✨. 

Position title : Financial Planning & Analysis (M/W) (V.I.E Contract) 

Location : Milwaukee, WI, United States of America 

Targeted starting date : January 2027

Duration : 18 months 

Your mission :

• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
• Assist in the development of quarterly rolling forecasts, including financial and business analysis
• Support evaluation of financial performance by comparing and analyzing actual results with prior year and rolling forecast
• Help in development of new analyses (i.e contribution margin analysis and open order trends/ projections – including partnering with other functions like supply chain and sales & marketing
• Assist in developing and maintaining financial models through benchmarking and process analysis for decision support (e.g., Pricing, Manufacturing Capacity, and Profitability)
• Support the oversight of operating metrics (KPIs) that ensure optimal financial performance
• Analyzing and interpreting data that will be used for proposed recommendations to various areas of the company
• Development of using public data performance trends of competitors and customer to be shared with Exco
• Analyze past results and perform variance analysis and identify trends
• Work closely with the accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Assist with cost analysis process
• Gain exposure and work on cross functional projects with GL accounting, cost accounting, tax, or treasury teams

 Who we’re looking for : 

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field
• Academic coursework or internship experience in finance, accounting, or business analysis preferred

Hard skills: 

• Basic understanding of financial concepts and accounting principles
• Proficiency with MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Basic to intermediate Excel skills (spreadsheets, formulas, data analysis)
• Ability to learn new software and financial systems quickly
• English proficiency required (written and verbal)

Soft skills: 

• Open-minded: shows curiosity and openness and acts as an innovation, change agent
• Accountable: shows proactivity and concentrates on priorities
• Achiever: strives for results and performance and shows professionalism and perseverance
• Team player: promotes cooperation, collaboration and team spirit

 Mission details 

 Location : Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
⏳ Duration : 18 months 
 Start : Q1 2027 
 Recruitment process : 
Phone screening  2 interviews : [Group HR, Manager CFO].  
 Goal : To offer you a long-term worldwide career after your V.I.E ! 

️ V.I.E – Eligibility 

• Age: 18–28 years old 

• Citizenship: EU or EEA country 

• Never completed a V.I.E before 

ℹ️ More info Mon Volontariat International - official VIE | VIA web site 

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS:

Reasoning Ability                   

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.