Assistant Programme Accountant

at  ECMWF

ABOUT ECMWF

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world-leader in weather and environmental forecasting. As an international organisation we serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions and data that is critical for understanding and solving the climate crisis. We function as a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions, holding one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world. The success of our activities builds on the talent of our scientists and experts, strong partnerships with 35 Member and Co-operating States and the international community, some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, and the use of innovative technologies and machine learning across our operations.
ECMWF has also developed a strong partnership with the European Union and has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the Destination Earth Initiative and the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the Copernicus Programme. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.
ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with a main office in Reading, UK, a data centre/ supercomputer in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany. We appreciate the need for flexibility in the way our staff work and allow flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking for up to 10 days/month.
Seewww.ecmwf.intfor more info about what we do.

EDUCATION

Candidates should have a higher standard of education (EQF Level 4) and preferably a professional qualification equivalent to Accounting Technician

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

• Demonstrated experience in a finance role.
• Good experience of providing analysis and reports for decision-making, including the use of core accounting systems combined with report writers.
• Strong proven experience with an accountancy package and in particular experience in using Unit4 Business World (previously known as Agresso) would be an advantage.
• Excellent working knowledge at advanced level of MS-Office (Word and Excel).
• Fluency in English is essential as candidates will be required to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English.
• Fluency in German is not essential but would be an advantage.

YOUR ROLE

ECMWF is looking to recruit an Assistant Programme Accountant (B5). This position is an integral part of the Finance Section in the Administration Department at ECMWF. It reports directly to the Senior Programme Accountant and be part of a highly-motivated and competent team.
The Assistant Management Accountant will play a key part in the financial processes of ECMWF by taking responsibility for the analysis and reconciliation of many financial transactions to ensure they are completed accurately, on time and in line with the appropriate financial controls.
Regular financial reporting will also be part of this role and therefore the position would suit an individual who can work to tight deadlines, embraces change, is flexible and continuously looks to improve financial controls and processes. Strong communication skills are also required as this role will involve much interaction with other stakeholders across the organisation. It is both an exciting and challenging time to join the ECMWF finance team as we continue to enhance the finance service at ECMWF to support new initiatives.

MAIN DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Key role in assisting with programme financial reporting to the European Commission
• Preparing budget inputs, maintaining accurate financial forecasts and ensuring compliance with cost eligibility rules
• Reconciling programme costs and providing meaningful analysis for all relevant stakeholders
• Assisting with the input of general Support to the Finance Sectionincome and costs to the monthly Management Accounts and year-end Financial Statements
• Producing programme related balance sheet accounts reconciliation statements as required
• Supporting internal and external auditors
• Ensuring adherence to the Centres Financial Regulations and procedures
• Providing general support to the Finance Section