Finance Partner

I. Purpose of the Job

The Finance Specialist for ADS (Advanced Digital Solutions) acts as the financial guardian of all costs within ADS (74 mio EUR). The core of this role is to account, monitor, and analyze costs. Including cost drivers and budgeting to‑serve insights.
You ensure transparency, data quality, accurate accounting and reporting, enabling ADS management and corporate stakeholders to take sound, fact‑based decisions.
This position requires a combination of deep cost accounting expertise, strong analytical capability, and process optimization mindset, working closely together with the Finance Business Partner ADS.

II. Roles and Responsibilities

1. Cost Accounting & Analytical Expertise (Primary Focus)
- Demonstrates deep knowledge of cost accounting principles, IFRS guidelines, and corporate accounting structures.
- Interprets financial data, identifies anomalies, and performs root‑cause analysis.
- Builds reliable cost models, forecasts, and allocation methodologies.
- Translates financial insights into actionable recommendations for the Finance Business Partner.
2. Technical Mastery (SAP & Tools)
- Operates confidently within SAP (FI‑CO, IM, MM, SD), with a deep understanding of how costs flow across modules.
- Builds advanced Excel models / AfO dashboards to support forecasting and decision‑making.
- Supports the implementation, testing, and rollout of new systems or SAP changes with cost impact in mind.
3. Reporting & Performance Monitoring
- Produces timely and accurate monthly reports.
- Compares actuals vs. plan, identifies variances, and explains underlying drivers.
- Ensures transparency in cost structures and supports decision‑making with clear reporting.
4. Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Supports Finance Business Partner ADS (Advanced Digital Solutions) in planning cycles by preparing cost estimates, depreciation schedules, and investment follow‑up.
- Challenges assumptions and provides well‑founded financial insights.
5. Process Improvement & Critical Thinking
- Evaluates existing processes and identifies opportunities for simplification, automation, and standardization.
- Improves allocation models, reporting structures, and end‑to‑end cost processes.
- Contributes to finance transformation initiatives and shares best practices across the team.
6. Problem‑Solving & Decision‑Making
- Approaches issues methodically, using data to support conclusions.
- Balances accuracy with pragmatism under tight deadlines or ambiguous situations.
- Provides well‑reasoned financial recommendations to support strategic decisions.
7. Personal Effectiveness
- Works accurately, consistently, and with strong numerical discipline.
- Handles sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
- Manages workload effectively during peak periods without compromising quality.
- Operates independently while actively contributing to team goals and collaboration.
- Builds strong relationships within ADS and Finance.
- Communicates clearly, proactively, and appropriately with diverse stakeholders (ADS, corporate functions, finance teams, auditors).
8. Flexibility & Adaptability
- Adjusts quickly to changing priorities, new insights, or evolving business needs.
- Functions effectively in hybrid work environments.
- Willingly to travel to HQ (Belgium) regularly.
- Embraces new tools, technologies, and organizational changes.

III. Skills & Competencies

Skills & Competencies
• Strong data mindset: comfortable with automated processes and data validation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across functions, BUs, and Corporate Finance.
• Proactive, structured, and able to work in a hybrid global team.
• Curious, solution-driven, critical thinker with process improvement mindset.
• Ability to work with AI-enabled reporting tools and contribute to process automation. 

Required Qualifications & Experience
• Cost & Management Accountant, Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• 5–6 years of experience in Controlling, FP&A, or financial analytics.
• Strong and focused experience in Cost Controlling.
• Strong understanding of cost allocation, management reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Experience with modern finance tools such as SAP S/4HANA, SAC, or comparable systems.
• Solid analytical skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights.