Chief Accountant

About the job

You will head the Belgian accounting team, which is responsible for both internal and external financial reporting for three operational sites in Belgium: Ghlin, Lichtervelde, and Raeren. These sites include one Remelt facility and two Extrusion locations. Reporting is done per location and per business activity, resulting in three separate reports submitted to the head office. While collaboration across sites is essential, the role can be based at the Lichtervelde plant -where you will also assume the role of Financial Controller- or at the Raeren plant.

What you will be doing

• Ensure accurate and timely internal reporting of monthly and yearly results per location/entity using SAP S/4HANA, Blackline, and the Hyperion Financial Management (HFM) reporting tool
• Prepare and manage external reporting, including VAT returns, Intrastat, Intra-Community Performance (ICP), and statutory annual accounts
• Partner with local business partners to understand overall business strategy and provide quality accounting services.
• Work across multiple areas of accounting including management accounting both for corporate and Business Areas and local business units (allocation of direct/indirect costs, variance analysis, …)
• Identify and implement opportunities for standardization, continuous improvement, and transformation within GBS Finance, and participate in the implementation of ICT solutions to improve accounting and taxation performance.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, including payroll accounts, using Blackline
• Ensure compliance with the Hydro Quality System, HSE regulations, company policies, and standardized operating procedures
• Ensure to work in compliance with accounting & taxation standards (corporate, IFRS and local)
• Collaborate with the Shared Service Center in Hungary to standardize SAP accounts for the Belgian locations
• Manage the local element of external audit process.
• Motivate and develop your team, consisting of a Financial Controller and an Assistant Financial Controller by identifying their strengths, growth opportunities, and development needs.
• Report to the Head of GBS Finance (West).

What we offer you

• A supportive and experienced team that values collaboration and professionalism
• An informal and friendly working environment
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful financial transformation projects
• Extensive possibilities for personal development, training and international exchange within a world-wide industry leader.
• An attractive salary package with benefits.
• The opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future through innovative aluminium solutions and renewable energy.
• Collaboration with diverse teams across multiple regions, contributing to meaningful and forward-thinking initiatives.

What will make you successful?

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Financial Controller or Accountant
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting
• Strong understanding of financial accounting statements and familiarity with local GAAP
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; French or other languages are a plus
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP S/4HANA
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and database management

Personal Skills

• Strong customer orientation and service mindset
• High attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to perform well under pressure
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to support regular interaction with other locations and our Shared Service Center in Hungary