Freelance Senior Business Controller / Financial Controller (Production Environment)
For an international manufacturing company in the FMCG sector, we are looking for a Freelance Senior Business Controller / Financial Controller to support their finance team on an interim basis. This role is based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, with an onsite presence of 3 days per week. Part-time (4/5) can be considered.
This assignment requires a strong finance professional with experience in a production/manufacturing environment, combining operational finance, controlling, and detailed reporting responsibilities. Knowledge of SAP (FI/CO, legacy environment) is essential.
Project Details
- Location: Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
- Contract Type: Freelance / Interim
- Start Date: ASAP
- Working Model: 3 days onsite per week
- Part-time Option: 4/5 considered
- Languages: Dutch & English
Role Overview
The Senior Business Controller will support both the production unit and commercial operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, cost control, and performance analysis. The role has a strong focus on monthly closing, P&L ownership, production costing, and business partnering with operational stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Reporting
- Lead monthly P&L reporting and financial close activities.
- Deliver detailed management reports and variance analyses.
- Support recurring reporting cycles, particularly during peak reporting periods.
- Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and performance insights.
Costing & Manufacturing Finance
- Monitor cost of goods sold (COGS) and production cost performance.
- Manage budgeting and follow-up of costing for new products in the pipeline.
- Analyze manufacturing variances and identify cost improvement opportunities.
- Support financial control of the production unit.
Systems & Process Support
- Operate within SAP (FI/CO) in a legacy environment.
- Improve reporting accuracy and streamline repetitive finance processes.
- Support finance process optimization where relevant.
Profile
- Extensive experience as Business Controller / Financial Controller in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong understanding of P&L management, COGS, costing, budgeting, and variance analysis.
- Proven hands-on experience with SAP FI/CO.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced operational setting.
- Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail.
- Fluent in Dutch and English.