Job Specification – Junior Business Controller (OPEX)
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Industry: Human Resources services
Department: Finance / Business Controlling
Reports to: Senior Business Controller / Finance Manager
Contract: Freelance
About the Role
We are looking for a Junior Business Controller with strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of OPEX (Operating Expenses). In this Belgium-based role, you will support financial performance monitoring, provide business insights, and collaborate with various departments to help steer cost efficiency.
This position is ideal for a young finance professional who wants to grow into a strategic business partner role.
Key Responsibilities
OPEX & Financial Controlling
* Monitor, analyse, and report OPEX across functions and cost centres.
* Perform variance analysis (Actuals vs Budget vs Forecast).
* Support the creation of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and rolling estimates.
* Contribute to the monthly closing process in collaboration with accounting.
* Analyse cost drivers and identify optimisation opportunities.
Business Partnering
* Act as a point of contact for budget owners within Belgium.
* Support operational teams in understanding their financial results and cost evolutions.
* Challenge and validate spending plans to ensure cost discipline.
* Create insights for management (Finance Manager, Country Manager, Operational Leads).
Reporting & Analysis
* Prepare and maintain management reporting, dashboards, and KPI overviews.
* Use BI tools (Power BI / SAP BW / Qlik) to automate and improve financial reporting.
* Work closely with shared service centres, accounting teams, and HQ controlling where relevant.
Process & Compliance
* Ensure adherence to Belgian accounting standards and internal control frameworks.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of controlling processes and tools.
* Support internal and external audits when required.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Applied Economics, or similar (Belgian equivalences: HBO5, Professional Bachelor, Master).
* 1–3 years of relevant experience in Business Controlling, FP&A, Audit, or Finance.
* Practical knowledge of OPEX analysis, cost controlling, or P&L structure.
* Experience in international or matrix organisations is a plus.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong analytical mindset and excellent numerical accuracy.
* Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP/BI systems (SAP, Oracle, Power BI, etc.).
* Ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
* Proactive, hands-on, and eager to learn.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
* Ability to work cross-functionally in a multicultural Belgian environment.
Language Requirements
* Dutch or French required
* English is required
What We Offer (Belgium Market Standard)
* Freelance opportunity .
* Duration - 6 months (possibility to extend)
* Hybrid work (± 2 days home office per week, common in Belgium).
* Strong opportunities for growth into Business Controller / Senior Controller / FP&A roles.
* A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace.