Job Specification – Junior Business Controller (OPEX)

Location: Brussels, Belgium
Industry: Human Resources services 
Department: Finance / Business Controlling
Reports to: Senior Business Controller / Finance Manager
Contract: Freelance

About the Role

We are looking for a Junior Business Controller with strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of OPEX (Operating Expenses). In this Belgium-based role, you will support financial performance monitoring, provide business insights, and collaborate with various departments to help steer cost efficiency.

This position is ideal for a young finance professional who wants to grow into a strategic business partner role.

Key Responsibilities

OPEX & Financial Controlling

• Monitor, analyse, and report OPEX across functions and cost centres.

• Perform variance analysis (Actuals vs Budget vs Forecast).

• Support the creation of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and rolling estimates.

• Contribute to the monthly closing process in collaboration with accounting.

• Analyse cost drivers and identify optimisation opportunities.

Business Partnering

• Act as a point of contact for budget owners within Belgium.

• Support operational teams in understanding their financial results and cost evolutions.

• Challenge and validate spending plans to ensure cost discipline.

• Create insights for management (Finance Manager, Country Manager, Operational Leads).

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain management reporting, dashboards, and KPI overviews.

• Use BI tools (Power BI / SAP BW / Qlik) to automate and improve financial reporting.

• Work closely with shared service centres, accounting teams, and HQ controlling where relevant.

Process & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to Belgian accounting standards and internal control frameworks.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of controlling processes and tools.

• Support internal and external audits when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Applied Economics, or similar (Belgian equivalences: HBO5, Professionele Bachelor, Master).

• 1–3 years of relevant experience in Business Controlling, FP&A, Audit, or Finance.

• Practical knowledge of OPEX analysis, cost controlling, or P&L structure.

• Experience in international or matrix organisations is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical mindset and excellent numerical accuracy.

• Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP/BI systems (SAP, Oracle, Power BI, etc.).

• Ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

• Proactive, hands-on, and eager to learn.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a multicultural Belgian environment.

Language Requirements

• Dutch or French required 

• English is required

What We Offer (Belgium Market Standard)

• Freelance opportunity .

• Duration – 6 months (possibility to extend)

• Hybrid work (± 2 days home office per week, common in Belgium).

• Strong opportunities for growth into Business Controller / Senior Controller / FP&A roles.

• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace.