Contrôleur de gestion/Contrôleuse de gestion

For our client, we are looking for an experimented, hands on Plant Controller (H/F/X). The candidate wil be based in Liege site.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Plant Controller / Finance Business Partner to join our client's Finance team as part of a broader finance reorganisation. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you will own the controlling and business partnering agenda for the Belgian manufacturing operations — driving rigorous cost close, performance analysis, forecasting, and capex governance to support timely and accurate group reporting (Day-5 Flash, Day-8 Full Pack).

Key Responsibilities

Controlling & Month-End Close

• Own the CO (Controlling) close process on a materiality-based approach, ensuring accuracy and timeliness within the group close calendar.
• Perform variance analysis versus standard cost, budget, and prior periods; provide clear commentary for management and group reporting.
• Prepare and maintain standard cost estimates and product cost reviews.
• Ensure timely accruals and postings for manufacturing cost centres.

Forecasting & Planning

• Co-lead the annual budget and rolling forecast process for manufacturing and plant operations.
• Provide reliable financial forecasts and scenario analysis to support business decision-making.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement to deliver integrated financial planning.

Capex Governance & Controlling

• Manage capital expenditure controlling: budgeting, tracking, and post-investment review.
• Ensure compliance with the Limits of Authority (LoA) framework for capex approvals.
• Prepare capex business cases and maintain the asset under construction (AuC) register.

Plant Controlling & Business Partnering

• Act as the primary Finance Business Partner for Operations, Production, and Plant Management.
• Translate financial results into operational insights; challenge and support the business to improve performance.
• Attend operations reviews and provide forward-looking financial guidance.
• Support make-vs-buy analysis and other strategic decision-support activities.

Reporting & Controls

• Contribute to the Day-2 Cash, Day-5 Flash, and Day-8 Full Pack reporting deliverables.
• Ensure adequate segregation of duties (SoD) and internal controls within the controlling domain.
• Liaise with FSSC and Group Finance on intercompany and group matters.

Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional qualification (CPA, CIMA, ACCA) is an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in plant controlling, management accounting, or finance business partnering, preferably in a manufacturing or chemical environment.
• Proven track record of delivering month-end close within tight deadlines.
• Experience working in a multinational, shared-service environment is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in SAP CO/FI modules (or equivalent ERP).
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with BI reporting tools (Power BI, SAP BW, or similar).
• Solid understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and capex accounting.
• Familiarity with IFRS or Belgian GAAP is a plus.

Languages

• Fluent in English (working language for group reporting).
• Fluent in French.
• Dutch is a significant advantage for local stakeholder engagement.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and ability to synthesise complex data into clear insights.
• Business-oriented: able to translate numbers into operational action.
• Proactive, structured, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced close environment.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working in a lean team with cross-functional and cross-border collaboration.
• High integrity and commitment to strong internal controls.