Business Controller - HR

About the Role

The Business Controller - HR plays a key role in supporting HR controlling and reporting activities at the Headquarters. In this position, you will work closely with HR, Payroll, and Finance teams to ensure accurate personnel reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and labor cost management.

You will act as a central point of contact for HR-related financial matters, providing insights, analysis, and recommendations to support decision-making across the organization. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to process improvements, enhance HR reporting tools, and work in an international environment within a dynamic and fast-paced headquarters setting.

This position will report to the EMEA HR Controller and is offered as a 1-year temporary contract, with the potential for prolongation.

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Business Controller - HR to support the HR controlling and reporting activities in the Headquarters. The successful candidate has strong analytical skills, is motivated to get things done, shows a hands-on approach, and is keen on working in an international team.

The Business Controller - HR takes responsibility for all monthly HR reporting, personnel and forecast planning, as well as budgetary controls. The person will also be responsible for budgeting, accruing, and reporting on HR Opex for all central functions.

Responsibilities

• Own headcount and labor cost budgeting process for Headquarters in close coordination with Finance, HR, and business functions
• Establish processes and consolidate personnel data from regions and entities
• Collaborate with payroll teams and HR leaders to analyze and explain variances
• Work closely with Finance on accruals, forecasts, cost center allocations, GL code adjustments, and inter-entity recharges
• Lead monthly labor cost reconciliation for HQ in partnership with Finance
• Consolidate and analyze HR operating expenses (Opex)
• Act as primary contact for management on HR and personnel expense matters
• Prepare monthly HR reports, perform analysis, and recommend actions
• Drive personnel cost and headcount planning, variance analysis, and forecasting
• Continuously improve HR dashboards and headcount planning tools
• Build scenarios for headcount and labor cost planning
• Serve as audit liaison for HR-related matters
• Optimize HR and controlling processes

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education

• Completed university degree in Accounting, Finance/Controlling, Business Informatics or related discipline

Experience

• A minimum of 2+ years of related experience with focus on controlling
• Previous HR experience is desirable, but not a must.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Knowledge of SAP Finance applications (SAP Analysis for Microsoft, SAP Cloud Reporting, etc.)
• Knowledge of Belgian payroll & benefits aspects and tax implications is a plus
• Understanding of Belgian accounting is an asset
• Knowledge of advanced Microsoft tools such as Power BI is an asset

Languages

• Fluency in English is essential
• Knowledge of other European languages are an asset

Soft/Behavioral Skills

• Strong analytical skills paired with a systematic approach
• Results-driven individual who can work independently
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong communication skills