Young Graduate Business Controller – Shape the Future of Finance at Action

Ready to kickstart your career in Finance and grow into a future leadership role? At Action, we believe our future Finance Leaders are already among us and we’re here to help you develop into that role.

That’s why we’re launching the Young Graduate Business Controller Programme: a hands-on, fast-paced experience designed to develop the next generation of Business Controllers who are ready to take Action’s Finance team to the next level.

What to expect

As a Finance Senior Trainee, you’ll work at the intersection of Business Analytics and Controlling. You’ll dive into the numbers behind Action’s success and develop into a trusted financial sparring partner for one of our dynamic business units.

Here’s what your journey will look like:

• Get to know Action’s international retail operations and finance processes from the inside out
• Learn how to monitor results, manage period closures, and drive performance together with Financial Services
• Build expertise in analysing stock flows, margins, availability, and discrepancies from stores to distribution centres
• Collaborate with Business Controllers and gain exposure to various departments, including Marketing & Digital, Real Estate, and Supply Chain
• Prepare and support business cases, forecasts, and strategic plans that directly impact our international growth
• Spot opportunities to optimise costs, improve yields, and streamline processes through data
• Learn how to give financial advice and support planning & control cycles,  key stepping stones on your way to becoming a Business Controller

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to step into a Business Controller role and help drive growth across our business.

Meet your team

You’ll join the Group Business Control team at our international HQ in Zwaagdijk-Oost. This high-impact team provides key insights and analysis that influence strategic decisions and drive process optimisation across the business.

You’ll work alongside specialists in areas like Store Operations, Supply Chain, Real Estate, Commerce, and Marketing & Digital. Your initial focus will be on Marketing & Digital, with opportunities to gain experience in other areas such as Real Estate and Supply Chain.

This is you

• You’re energised by data, processes, and problem-solving and you’re motivated by growth, both yours and the company’s. You know how to turn numbers into insights and are eager to make a real impact.
• You love working in a team and are a confident communicator
• You’re analytical, pragmatic, and structured in your approach
• You’re proactive, well-organised, and keen to take responsibility
• You see challenges as learning opportunities and aren’t afraid to get stuck in

Your background

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Analytics, Business Administration, or Economics
• 2–3 years of experience in retail
• Leadership potential: you’re someone who connects, inspires, and guides others
• Experience with BI tools, SAP or HFM? That’s a bonus!
• Fluent in English. French, German, Italian or Dutch is a plus

What we offer

This isn’t just a job, it is a launchpad for your leadership career in finance. Through this traineeship, you will get the tools, experiences, and support to grow into a future  leadership role within an international, fast-moving company.

• A market-based salary while you learn, grow and develop
• A structured leadership traineeship programme packed with real responsibilities and challenges
• Hands-on experience across different stores and countries
• Mentoring from experienced leaders who will coach you through your journey
• A place to actively contribute to Action’s international growth and success
• 15% staff discount on everything in-store
• The opportunity to build your career in Europe’s most dynamic non-food retailer
• All of this in a culture that lives our shared values: customer focus, teamwork, simplicity, discipline, cost-consciousness, and respect

How we contribute to society

If you only know Action from the stores, a world will open up for you when you come and work with us. We work hard to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Did you know, for example, that we support thousands of  children worldwide who grow up in an SOS Children's Village? That our team reflects the diversity of our customers, including 151 different nationalities? That we purchase 100% of our wood products and 100% of our cotton sustainably? And that all our stores, DC’s and offices only use energy-efficient LED lighting? Yes, that is also Action. Curious about what other initiatives we’re facilitating? There’s a lot more we are proud of and we would love for you to be part of it.

Interested?

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and warmly welcome anyone who sees themselves in this opportunity. Don’t wait,  take Action and apply now!

What comes next:

A response to your application within 14 days

Your recruiter will be your guide throughout the journey and is always available if you have any questions. We believe in doing things the right way, so a pre-employment screening is part of the process.