Financial Controller is a crucial position within commercial organisations, SMEs, and multinationals. Almost every company needs a professional in this role. 

This position is popular among accounting and finance professionals, and experienced candidates are highly sought after by employers. Christophe Paquay, senior manager at international recruitment specialist Robert Walters, shares his insights on the role of a Financial Controller.

The scope of financial controlling 

Christophe: "The remit of a Financial Controller may seem repetitive and process-based, especially for tasks such as monthly closing or statutory reporting. However, it can also be a challenging and interesting job. Reporting is just a small part of the role, and a financial controller can also be responsible for treasury, tax, financial planning and growth of commercial business partnerships."

How do you land the job? 

Do you aspire to a career as a Financial Controller? There are plenty of opportunities right now. Statistics from Jobs Data show a 6% increase in the number of vacancies for Financial Controllers in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period last year. Most vacancies are in Antwerp (27%), West Flanders (25%), East Flanders (16%) and Brussels (12%).

"Employers are often looking for experienced professionals holding senior positions within a finance team," says Christophe. "You need to be technically savvy with sound knowledge of financial fundamentals. Knowledge of the general ledger, budgeting, forecasting, accounting standards and compliance regulations are essential. It is also important that you can oversee both micro and macro aspects of the business. In Belgium, financial professionals with knowledge of local and US GAAP and IFRS requirements are highly valued."

Staying ahead in a competitive market 

Given the competitive nature of the market, a classic accounting background with ‘Big 4’ and controlling experience are highly regarded and preferred by most employers. “Three to four years of auditing experience with a ‘Big 4’ will give you a huge head start to moving into an all-round financial reporting role, and eventually, a financial controller role,” confirms Christophe. “Candidates without the required qualifications would do well to obtain accreditation from a professional organisation or gain substantial experience in a commercial environment."

Responsibilities and career opportunities

Christophe: "The core responsibilities of the position include financial reporting, corporate budgeting and forecasting, business development projects, treasury management, risk assessment and business analysis. Financial Controllers can advance to chief financial officer or CFO, depending on the profile and sector of the company."

Salary

"A financial controller with 3 to 7 years' experience will earn between 60k and 90k gross per year," Christophe knows. "With 7 to 15 years of experience, the gross annual salary is 90k to 115k. From 15 years of experience, the gross annual salary can reach 140k."

Interested?

Check out our latest financial controller jobs and apply today.