Mission
As the Head of Finance Operations, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all financial processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. You will lead the Finance Operations team, covering accounting, financial reporting, and process automation. Your role is crucial in ensuring timely and accurate financial closings, optimizing cash flow, and driving process improvements through digital transformation.
You will work closely with Business Controlling, Corporate Finance, and key stakeholders to provide strategic financial insights that support business decision-making. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with IFRS, tax regulations, and internal controls, while managing relationships with auditors, tax authorities, and financial regulators.
As a key finance leader, you will drive team development, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and implement best practices in financial governance, compliance and internal controls.
Tasks
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage financial operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections and General Accounting related financial transactions
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal and external controls, and corporate policies
* Oversee financial reporting, reconciliations, and support cash flow management
* Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness
* Collaborate with key stakeholders to support business strategy and decision-making
* Develop and mentor Finance teams to ensure high quality performance and professional growth
Expanded Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage Finance Operations
* End-to-end accounting management for the different Lineas entities, covering General Ledger, Revenues, Costs, Fixed Assets, Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections, Accounts Payable, and Consolidation – from daily transactional input to month-end closing.
* Ensure timely and accurate financial closings (monthly, quarterly, and yearly) within strict deadlines, including cut-offs, provisions, and accruals to ensure financial integrity
* Structure and lead the Finance Operations team around key financial processes, including revenue accounting, cost accounting, fixed asset management, customer invoicing, subcontractor invoicing, collections, and dispute resolution
* Oversee and optimize the IFRS consolidation process, ensuring compliance with international reporting standards and delivering accurate consolidated financial statements
* Ensure compliance with IFRS, local GAAP, tax regulations, and internal controls, working closely with auditors and regulatory bodies
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Finance, Controlling, Treasury, and Business Units) to support financial decision-making and reporting accuracy
* Process Optimization & Automation
* Identify, evaluate, and implement automation tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability in financial processes
* Streamline financial workflows to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and minimize processing time
* Develop and execute strategies for continuous improvement in finance operations, including process reengineering, system automation, and technology adoption
* Lead and oversee Financial system and other Operational system implementations and enhancements, ensuring seamless integration with financial processes
* Standardize, document, and optimize Finance Operations processes, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
* Foster a culture of digital transformation by promoting automation best practices and upskilling the Finance Operations team on new technologies
* Monitor and measure process performance, leveraging data analytics to identify bottlenecks and areas for further optimization
* Ensure Finance Operations processes are properly documented, maintained and kept up to date
* Risk Management & Compliance
* Develop and oversee a robust risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks
* Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., IFRS, GAAP, SOX) and internal financial controls
* Implement and continuously improve internal control mechanisms to safeguard financial integrity and prevent fraud
* Manage relationships and collaborate with internal and external auditors, tax authorities and financial regulators to ensure seamless audit processes and compliance
* Monitor and manage financial risks like credit risk to protect and support the company’s financial health
* Drive a culture of compliance and risk awareness across the Finance Operations team and broader organization
* Stay up to date with evolving regulatory and industry standards, proactively adapting finance operations to maintain compliance.
* KPI Monitoring & Performance Management
* Establishing clear financial and operational KPI’s to track performance across all Finance Operations departments
* Implementing real-time monitoring and reporting tools to drive data-driven decision-making
* Identifying and addressing inefficiencies or bottlenecks in financial processes
* Continuously optimizing workflows to enhance accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness
* Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align financial performance with business objectives
* Support initiatives and drive improvements in working capital management and optimization
* Reporting & Financial Insights
* Oversee the development and delivery of accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports to support strategic decision-making
* Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements, including regulatory standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP)
* Implement and enhance financial reporting systems, tools, and dashboards to improve data accessibility and accuracy
* Collaborate closely with the Business Controlling and Corporate Finance teams to analyse and explain current period performance, providing support for their monthly business reporting, forecasting processes, and working capital management
* Deliver actionable financial insights to drive informed decision-making, optimize cash flow, and enhance overall financial efficiency
* Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making, ensuring Finance Operations contribute effectively to overall business strategy
* Team Leadership & Development
* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Finance Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
* Provide strategic direction and hands-on support to ensure efficient execution of financial processes and operational excellence
* Identify skill gaps and implement training programs to enhance the team's expertise in financial operations, compliance, and process optimization
* Promote a data-driven and results-oriented mindset within the team, encouraging innovation and proactive problem-solving
* Establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to drive professional growth and alignment with business objectives
* Foster cross-functional collaboration between Finance, IT, and other departments to enhance financial processes and business efficiency
Profile
* Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop Finance teams (experienced people manager)
* Strong stakeholder management skills (different business units, auditors and regulators)
* Ability to drive change management and lead digital transformation
* Strong knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP, IFRS) and financial reporting
* Experience in process improvements, automation and standardization
* Strong in organization and project implementation
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
* Deep understanding of financial controls, risk management and compliance
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Bachelor Accountancy-Tax or Master degree in Applied Economics
* Proficiency in English is essential, with additional knowledge of Dutch and/or French
* Good knowledge of ERP and operational systems
* Pro-active and independent in identifying and resolving problems
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
* Strategic thinker with the ability to assess financial operations from a broader perspective
* Maintaining a high level of professionalism in all interactions
What We offer
* A full-time, indefinite contract with competitive benefits.
* Compensation: 13th-month salary, annual bonus, and a company car or mobility budget. Netto allowance.
* Comprehensive Benefits: Hospital insurance, private accident insurance, pension plan, and meal/eco vouchers.
* Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, hybrid working and Brussels as head office
* A generous vacation package (3 days conventional holiday+ 9 ADV days + additional seniority days, already after first year).
* A dynamic, international environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Who We are
We are Lineas, Europe’s largest private rail freight operator. Our mission is to lead the Modal Shift, encouraging businesses to move freight from road to rail for a more sustainable future. Every day, our team—the FREIGHT FORCE—works tirelessly to provide innovative solutions for our clients and make a real difference in mobility and the climate.
Join us in this exciting journey as we continue to grow and transform the industry!
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