Financial Controller

Financial Controller, Belgium
Location: Ghent, Belgium (hybrid, minimum two days a week in the office)

The Role

Cerba Research is looking for a Financial Controller to oversee the financial operations of its Belgian legal entities and subsidiaries. You’ll own the accounting, the close, the statutory reporting and the controls, and lead the local finance team from the Ghent office. This is a senior, hands‑on role. You’ll work closely with global business controlling, project management and local heads of department, and you’ll be the finance lead on the ground in Belgium.
About Cerba Research
With over 40 years of clinical research expertise, Cerba Research offers clinical trial management, specialty lab and biomarker services, and medical devices and diagnostics. Its global accredited laboratory network spans the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australia and Africa, supporting clients from research and development through to commercialisation, with a mission to help patients get access to new treatments faster.

Why Join?

Real Ownership - Belgium’s finance function is yours to run, with the authority to match the responsibility.
A Chance to Make Your Mark - There’s work to do on the foundations, and you’ll be trusted to do it.
Cross-functional Reach - You’ll work with global controlling, project management and department heads, in an SAP S/4HANA environment.

Your Responsibilities

• Prepare and review financial statements for the Belgian entities, in line with Belgian GAAP and group IFRS reporting
• Own the month-end close, including review and sign-off
• Manage audits, tax returns and regulatory filings, working with auditors, banks and tax advisors
• Implement and maintain internal controls and identify financial risks
• Analyse costs, recommend efficiencies and monitor cash flow
• Lead and mentor the local finance team
• Work with global business controlling, project management and department heads

About You

You’re an experienced controller who knows Belgian accounting and isn’t afraid of complexity. You’ve been through audits, you can review other people’s work, and you’re comfortable owning a site and making calls.

• 7-10 years of financial controlling experience, ideally in a subsidiary of a global organisation
• Strong knowledge of Belgian GAAP, plus IFRS
• Audit experience, either managing audits or from an audit background
• Strong month-end close, oversight and review skills
• Experience leading and mentoring a finance team
• SAP S/4HANA preferred, plus advanced Excel or Power BI
• Fluent English and Dutch, written and spoken
• Professional qualification is a plus but not required
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Cerba HealthCare, we believe that the diversity of people, backgrounds, and perspectives is an essential asset in fulfilling our mission: to improve the health of everyone, everywhere. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment that guarantees equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, background, sexual orientation, disability, or any other personal characteristic. All talented individuals are encouraged to apply.

Travel

Minimal travel expected for this role.

A recognized international player, Cerba HealthCare covers all fields of human and veterinary medical biology. In 2020, the group operates on 5 continents, has more than 8 000 employees, and represents a turnover of 1 billion euros.Cerba Research provides the highest quality specialized laboratory and diagnostic solutions while leveraging patient data and scientific insight to shape and advance clinical trials. With our global footprint and access to leading regional labs, data, patients, technology, and partnered resources, we support global biotech, pharma, and IVD organizations to improve the lives of patients around the world.