Financial Controller Belgium, NL & France

Purpose and Mission

As Financial Controller, you are responsible for the financial accounting, reporting, and control activities for the entities in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, including the parent holding company NV Bekaert SA. The scope entrails 7 entities in Belgium, 1 entity in France and 1 entity in The Netherlands.

You act as a key point of contact for Finance Management, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong compliance, and effective coordination between Business Units, Group Finance, and the Shared Service Center (SSC). You will also support audits, tax compliance, and drive continuous improvements in financial processes and systems.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting
•    Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, overhead and corporate expenses).
•    Review and sign off legal entity reporting (actuals and where required forecasts and budgets).
•    Coordinate financial reporting towards Group, Corporate, Business Units, and local stakeholders.
•    Monitor balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
•    Oversee collaboration with the Shared Service Center and outsourcing providers for transactional activities.
Compliance & Audit
•    Coordinate internal and external audit activities.
•    Ensure tax compliance and act as contact point for tax authorities.
•    Ensure adherence to Corporate GAAP, IFRS, and local accounting and tax regulations.
•    Maintain a strong internal control environment for financial processes.
Stakeholder Management
•    Collaborate closely with Business Units, Group Finance, SSC teams, and Centers of Expertise (Tax, Treasury, GRC).
•    Act as a bridge between local operations and the global finance organization.
•    Ensure alignment on Finance Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance follow-up.
Process Improvement & Systems
•    Drive finance process improvements and efficiency initiatives.
•    Support implementation of system changes and digitalization initiatives (e.g., SAP, automation).
•    Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function.
•    Drive optimal support from Shared Service Centre and adherence to agreed SLA
Additional Responsibilities
•    Manage and coach local accounting teams.
•    Support finance-related projects such as M&A and integrations.
•    Participate in statutory boards of legal entities when required.

Skills

•    Senior Accountant (preferably certified) with strong knowledge of IFRS and local GAAP.
•    Good understanding of financial processes, risk management, and internal controls.
•    Experience with general ledger accounting and balance sheet controls.
•    Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
•    Experience with SAP, automation, or digital finance environments is an advantage.
•    Ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple priorities while coaching team.
•   Professional proficiency in Dutch and strong communication skills in English.

Previous Experience

•  Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in accounting, controlling, or finance.

Qualifications and Education

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.