Financial Controller

Robert Half Talent Solutions is currently looking for a Financial Controller (m/f/x) for a permanent position based in Brussels. Our client is a fast growing company active in the consultancy sector. As Financial Controller (m/f/x) you will be responsible for: Senior Leadership & Capability Building
- Translate business strategy into financial strategy and operating priorities, influencing decisions beyond the finance function.
- Provide senior leadership to the Project Finance Control function in Belgium, setting clear priorities, standards, and expectations.
- Lead, coach, manage and develop managers and senior controllers, building depth of capability across project finance, compliance, reporting, and business partnering.
- Create a strong performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, commercial discipline, and continuous improvement.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex financial, commercial, governance, and stakeholder matters. Senior Stakeholder Management & Transformation
- Demonstrated experience leading change across multiple teams and functions, liaising with senior internal stakeholders to ensure sound financial management and coordinating with Accounts Payable, Procurement, Treasury and Accounting when required.
- Partner with senior leadership, Account Directors, Project Managers, Finance, Contracts, and Operations to drive financial discipline, accountability, and informed decision-making.
- Influence non-finance stakeholders by translating complex financial matters into clear, practical actions and commercial implications.
- Lead the strengthening of financial governance, audit readiness, internal controls, and compliance across the portfolio.
- Sponsor and drive process improvement, standardisation, automation, and reporting transformation initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and insight. Translating technology/data opportunities into successful business outcomes. Portfolio Financial Leadership & Strategic Analysis
- Own the financial oversight of a complex project portfolio, including forecasting, revenue, margin, WIP, cash flow, and risk exposure.
- Provide strategic financial insight, challenge assumptions, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions to protect commercial performance.
- Lead portfolio reviews with Project Managers, Project Directors, Finance, and senior leadership to ensure robust forecasting, accurate revenue recognition, and clear accountability for actions.
- Oversee project re-forecasting and cost-to-complete reviews in line with company policies, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance across the portfolio.
- Present financial performance, commercial risks, key issues, and recommended actions to senior leadership in a clear and decision-focused way. Project Setup, Maintenance & Compliance
- Review contracts (including intercompany agreements) and set up projects in the ERP system in accordance with contract terms, SOX regulations and internal controls.
- Maintain project financial data throughout the lifecycle-set‑up, amendments, variations, and project closure-ensuring completeness and compliance.
- Support the maintenance of contract documents, agreements, and variation orders. Revenue Recognition & Cost Recognition & Reporting
- Ensure revenue is recognized correctly and consistently across all projects, fully aligned with accounting standards and internal policies.
- Prepare and deliver management reporting packages (MIS), including revenue, cost analysis, margin movements, and detailed commentary.
- Calculate and post monthly subcontractor and freelancer accruals, ensuring completeness and correct cut-off.
- Support month-end close activities including reconciliation and preparation of financial reports. Billing, Cash Flow & WIP Management
- Prepare timely and accurate client billing in coordination with Project Managers.
- Monitor aged debts, collaborate with Treasury on collections, and support actions to reduce WIP and overdue balances.
- Contribute to cash flow estimates and forecasting. Other Responsibilities
- Perform ad‑hoc duties and analysis as assigned to support business needs. The required profile for the Financial Controller (m/f/x) position:
- MBA, M.
Com, CMA, qualified accountant, or equivalent senior finance qualification / experience.
- Minimum 7 years' experience in project finance, controllership, commercial finance, or financial management within a services, consultancy, or project-based environment.
- Proven senior leadership experience, including managing or functionally leading managers, senior controllers, or geographically dispersed finance teams.
- Strong knowledge of project financial governance, revenue recognition, IFRS, US GAAP, ASC606, SOX requirements, and internal control frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders, challenge constructively, and support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Advance