Group Business Controller

LIME search; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job description

Our client is a Netherlands-based financial services firm within a global network, offering audit, tax, legal, and advisory services to mid-sized businesses, family-owned companies, and the public sector. It emphasizes long‑term client relationships, practical insights, and an entrepreneurial, quality‑driven culture.

The firm is entering a new growth phase supported by a European private equity partner, providing capital and strategic expertise to accelerate expansion. Its strategy focuses on a buy‑and‑build approach through M&A, service expansion, and investments in technology, data, and AI.

A recent cross‑border partnership has created a regional platform of about 1,300 professionals across 20 offices, generating around €200 million in revenue.

Overall, the ambition is to build a scalable, multidisciplinary, and internationally stronger organization with enhanced advisory capabilities, while preserving its entrepreneurial culture and focus on quality and innovation.

The job profile

Our client is entering an exciting phase of growth, supported by a private equity investor and an ambitious buy‑and‑build strategy. As the organization expands through acquisitions, it is building a more centralized group structure and investing in scalable finance processes, performance management, and data‑driven decision‑making.

Within this transformation, a new Group Business Controller role is created to work closely with the Group CFO and regional finance teams. Operating at the intersection of finance, strategy, and execution, the role focuses on strengthening financial insights, driving business performance, and supporting strategic decision‑making at Group level.

You are responsible for coordinating budgeting, forecasting, and performance reviews, translating complex financial and operational data into clear insights and recommendations for senior management, the Board, and shareholders. You will also play an active role in M&A activities, post‑merger integrations, investment cases, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational performance.

Overall, you play a key role in driving value creation and shaping the performance management function of a rapidly growing international organization.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate is an analytically strong and hands‑on finance professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, evolving international environment. You combine strategic thinking with strong financial modelling skills and have the ability to translate complex financial and operational information into clear, actionable business insights. You are comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, constructively challenging assumptions and driving performance improvements across the organization.

The role requires a proactive, commercially minded professional who can take ownership of Group‑level performance management, support strategic decision‑making and contribute to M&A and integration activities.

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Economics, Accountancy or a comparable field, preferably supplemented with a post‑master qualification.
• Minimum 6–8 years of experience in M&A or Transaction Services, preferably complemented by experience in FP&A or Business Control within a corporate environment.
• Strong experience in management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Experience in a private equity‑backed, acquisitive or fast‑growing organization is highly advantageous.
• Experience with M&A and post‑merger integration is a strong plus.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand key operational and commercial performance drivers.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge senior management constructively.
• Hands‑on, pragmatic and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Experience with Excel, financial modelling, BI tools and ERP systems.
• Fluency in Dutch and English, both verbally and in writing.