A new generation of finance professionals at METRO – preparing for the future of work?
19 February 2026At METRO GSC in Szczecin, we observe every day how the world of finance is changing faster than stock market prices at the peak of the season. Our teams are not standing still. Together, we are taking part in a transformation that makes accounting move away from repetitive number processing and become a strategic tool in the hands of those who truly understand the business. A new generation of finance professionals is entering the organization with energy, a fresh perspective, and a readiness to experiment. They automate processes and put forward ideas that change the way METRO operates on a global scale. Our approach is built on strong financial foundations, experience in end to end process delivery, and modern technologies that make everyday work not only efficient, but also inspiring.
What natural strengths does the new generation of finance professionals have?
The new generation of finance professionals stands out because the digital world is their natural working environment. ERP systems, analytical tools, and automated processes are not a challenge for them, but a way to take on more ambitious tasks. They value work life balance, which often surprises older generations, yet ultimately increases their creativity and ability to make sound decisions under time pressure. They are confident and trust their ideas, so they openly raise process pain points and are not afraid to propose innovations. Working with them is an opportunity to make traditional accounting processes more transparent, efficient, and aligned with the modern pace of the organization.
Future competencies for finance professionals in a global organization
At METRO GSC, we invest in developing competencies that make finance professionals strategic partners rather than task executors. Analytical skills, financial data interpretation, and proficiency in Excel, SAP S/4HANA, and other financial systems form the foundation of our daily work. At the same time, soft skills are equally important, including cross cultural collaboration, communication in English, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn new tools. The combination of subject matter expertise with process optimization and receivables management capabilities allows our teams not only to operate independently, but also to have a real impact on METRO’s global business, transforming everyday numbers into strategic decisions.
Preparation for a career in the finance of the future – which development, mentoring, and training programs support the young generation?
The development of finance professionals at METRO GSC is not theory, but hands on practice from day one. Onboarding enables quick familiarization with ERP systems, end to end processes, and the basics of reporting. Analytical training, Excel and Power BI courses, as well as workshops on presentations and meeting facilitation, prepare employees for active participation in projects. Mentoring connects the experience of senior professionals with the energy of younger colleagues, encouraging them to propose innovations and process improvements, while also enabling a fast transition into the role of a business partner who understands what is happening across the entire global organization. As a result, the new generation of finance professionals becomes an active participant in transformation from the very first days, rather than a passive observer of change.
Development of finance professionals at METRO GSC – preparing for work in a digital and automated environment
At METRO GSC, digitalization and automation are not add ons, but part of everyday work. The finance professional of the future does not only operate accounting systems, but designs processes that minimize repetitive tasks and allow teams to focus on value adding activities. Our teams work with RPA, AI, and analytical tools, reducing task execution time and improving data quality. We prepare finance professionals to make decisions based on reports, anticipate risks, and collaborate with business partners in an international environment where responsibility goes hand in hand with autonomy and initiative.
Digital skills in finance
Digital competencies are more than system operation. They include the ability to design self running processes and analyze data on a global scale. In practice, this means routine tasks no longer consume time, and team energy is focused on improvements, reporting, and strategic business support. Excel, Power BI, SAP S/4HANA, and AI tools in the hands of our finance professionals become vehicles for change, enabling quick responses to challenges and increasing the efficiency of the entire organization. As a result, a career in finance is no longer a repetitive process, but an exciting development path in a dynamic, global environment.
How does the new generation of finance professionals influence innovation in financial processes?
New team members bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm for automation, and a strong drive to improve everyday work. Thanks to their initiatives, we develop intelligent solutions such as automated processing of leasing invoices or email inquiry classification systems that allow thousands of messages to be handled each month with minimal human involvement. Their energy and openness inspire the search for new ways to improve processes, while the combination of digital skills and strong financial expertise delivers tangible results.
