Freelance Financial Controller – Brussels
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Role Overview
The Financial Controller will oversee all financial reporting, statutory compliance, budgeting, and internal control activities. You will act as a strategic partner to leadership teams, providing data-driven insights to support commercial decision-making, operational performance, and enhanced member experience. This role also includes leadership of a small finance team and continuous improvement of processes across the function.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses.
- Deliver insightful analysis to support profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic planning.
Accounting Operations
- Manage daily accounting activities including invoicing, reconciliations, cash management, and month/year-end closing.
- Maintain strong documentation, data accuracy, and audit trails.
Statutory Compliance & Audit
- Ensure full compliance with Belgian statutory accounting and tax regulations.
- Lead tax filings, statutory reporting, and the coordination of internal and external audits.
Budgeting, Cost Control & Performance
- Lead the budgeting process, cost monitoring, and financial performance tracking.
- Support broader operational KPIs linked to service delivery and member experience.
Risk & Contract Management
- Review contracts and proactively identify financial or operational risks.
- Support insurance and claims management activities.
Business Partnering
- Collaborate with operational and leadership teams, providing timely, data‑driven insights to improve margins, drive decision-making, and support growth initiatives.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a small finance team, fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Process Improvement
- Drive automation and continuous improvement across financial processes, systems, and controls.
- Contribute to the evolution of reporting tools and finance-related workflows.
Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in controlling or audit; experience in health/wellbeing/services is an advantage.
- Experience managing or coaching a team.
- Strong knowledge of local statutory accounting, Belgian GAAP, and tax compliance.
- Familiarity with cash management and payroll processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP/accounting systems is a plus.
- Strong analytical mindset with excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Detail-oriented, structured, and comfortable working with tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to work under pressure and adapt to a dynamic, evolving environment.
- Fluency in French and English; Dutch is a strong asset.