Business Controller

Formerly known as Alcomotive, Astara Western Europe NV is part of the Spanish Astara (former Bergé Auto) group and a major European player in the import and distribution of various brands of cars and light trucks. Currently, the portfolio includes Hyundai (Belux), Suzuki (Belux), Isuzu (Benelux, Germany and Poland), KGM (Benelux, Germany), Maxus (Belux, Germany), MG (Belux), Mitsubishi (Poland) , Nissan (Poland)  Microlino (Germany) and Silence (Belux).

Astara focuses on Mobility Solutions and offers a one-stop-shopping experience towards our customers, regardless of their mobility needs. Both ownership and other mobility solutions variants are in constant development. The automotive landscape is currently in full transition with digitalisation, electrification and new forms of mobility. Astara has been working on implementing its own distribution and mobility ecosystem to respond to current challenges, such as more sustainable mobility, better digitized and more energy efficient. Astara will offer a whole range of products and services focused on mobility, like subscription packages, B2C and sales through new channels in addition to ownership; all supported by a digital platform that enables interaction with customers through the different steps in the customer journey.

For the headquarters of Astara Western Europe (based in Kontich), we are currently looking for a Business Controller.

Purpose of the position

In Astara Western Europe we see the Business Controller as a true finance business partner for his/her internal clients: our brands. He/she is the preferred support in all business economic topics and translates the strategy into financials, management reporting and key performance indicators. In a complex and ever changing business environment, the Business Controller plays a central role in the financial planning and control processes.

As a Business Controller you familiarize yourself with the operational processes of the brand, from vehicle ordering over logistics, marketing, etc. to the final sale. As financial expert you recognize the possible risks and opportunities in these processes and suggest improvements. You capture all topics/issues with an impact on the P&L and Balance Sheet and make sure that the figures are correctly representing the actual financial performance of the business.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Financial reporting

• Prepare financial reports as specified by the group, business unit and the local management.  This includes analysis and explanation of variances with last year, budget and forecast, connecting figures with business events and developments.

• Support in month end closing activities (e.g. accrual accounting, invoice checking,…) in close collaboration with the G/L accountants.

• Understand the balance sheet and P&L of the different entities and make sure that financial statements provide a true and correct view of the situation.

• Optimize financial processes and procedures to ensure the management accounting system provides reliable information.

Business support

• Lead and prepare the financial planning (e.g.budget and forecasts) in joint effort with the responsible managers (marketing, sales, etc.)

• Recognize risks and opportunities in your business and tackle them where needed.

• Prepare and actively participate in periodic financial reviews with management to discuss the reporting and KPI’s, define actions, and follow-up.

• Support the brands and entities in improving P&L, working capital and cash flow management and advise on the financial impact of management decisions or suggestions.

• Perform ad hoc financial analysis such as profitability analysis, margin analysis,etc…

• Support the ordering & purchase process of new units.

• Perform follow-up on (ageing of) stock.

• Implement synergies and efficiencies in the internal processes where possible.

• Follow-up, assist and/or lead specific projects within the business units.

• Master degree in business and/or finance and a profound knowledge of financial and business processes.

• Around 5 years of experience in business controlling with full P&L and Balance Sheet responsibility.

• Fluent in Dutch and English.

• Strong business acumen and a flexible and proactive mindset.  Eager to be at the heart of the business.

• Team player with strong communicative skills, able to interact on all levels of the organization.

• Strong PC skills (mainly excel and BI tools).

Astara Western Europe is characterized by a very dynamic, challenging, and open culture with a personal approach to each employee. We offer our staff an environment where initiative and entrepreneurship are key principles.

At Astara Western Europe we strongly commit to our values like being humble, show trust, take ownership and be a team. We also embrace every opportunity to coach and educate our people towards higher levels.

You will receive an attractive salary supplemented with a wide range of fringe benefits including a company car, bonus, meal vouchers, group and hospitalization insurance etc.