Head of Finance

Head of Finance – Brussels, Belgium

Our client, a leading international industry association headquartered in Brussels, is seeking an accomplished Head of Finance to join its leadership team. The organization operates at the forefront of sustainable global trade and represents a diverse network of members across more than 50 countries. This is a strategic and operational leadership role at the heart of a purpose-driven, internationally active association with entities in Europe and Asia.

The Role

The Head of Finance will act as a trusted partner to the President and Board, shaping the organization’s long-term financial strategy while ensuring sound day-to-day operations. This includes multi-entity financial management, regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and strategic financial planning to support continued growth and impact.

The position combines strategic foresight with hands-on operational responsibility. The successful candidate will thrive in a complex, mission-oriented environment where agility, accountability, and collaboration are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the organization’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational excellence.
• Advise the President, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee through clear financial insights and strategic recommendations.
• Oversee all financial operations across multiple global entities and ensure strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise accounting, budgeting, reporting, and financial planning processes with precision and transparency.
• Build and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering continuous improvement and accountability.

Profile

• Master’s degree in finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive finance experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record in multi-entity, international environments.
• Deep hands-on expertise and comfort with all accounting-related activities — this is not a purely strategic role.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and leadership capabilities, with a genuine interest in sustainable business practices.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (additional European languages are an asset).

Important Requirements

• This position requires a balanced mix of strategic and operational engagement - candidates must be equally comfortable developing long-term financial plans and managing day-to-day accounting and finance operations.
• Presence at the Brussels office is preferred. Only applicants willing to work fully on-site will be considered (no hybrid or remote options).
• Only candidates willing to work under a permanent employment contract (payroll) will be considered. Applications from freelancers, interim managers, or candidates seeking management/service contracts will not be retained.
• Preference will be given to candidates currently residing in Belgium, ideally within commuting distance of Brussels.

Why Apply?

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the financial leadership of a globally recognized organization that is shaping the future of responsible trade. The role offers both purpose and professional challenge in a truly international context.

This job has been posted by Kingsley Gate on behalf of our client company. Kingsley Gate is committed to the fundamental principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee. It is the policy of Kingsley Gate not to discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.