Assistant Programme Accountant

Introduction

* Initial contract until 31 May 2028 with the possibility of extensions *

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 Programme 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. Good communication skills are also required as this role will involve 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 and existing initiatives.

**Please note that applications must be made direct on the ECMWF jobsite - linked below . **

About ECMWF

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.

The success of our activities depends on the funding and partnerships of the 35 Member and Co-operating States who provide the support and direction of our work. Our talented staff together with the international scientific community, and our powerful supercomputing capabilities, are the core of a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions. We also hold one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world.

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 and the Space for Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) 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.

Our vision: The strength of a common goal
Our mission: Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States

ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with its headquarters in Reading, UK, a data centre in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany, as a central location for our EU-related activities. ECMWF is internationally recognised as the voice of expertise in numerical weather predictions for forecasts and climate science.

Tasks

Your responsibilities

• Key role in the preparation of key inputs required for programme financial reporting to the European Commission.
• Preparing budget inputs, maintaining accurate financial forecasts and ensuring compliance with cost eligibility rules.
• Processing of accounting entries and budget allocations in the ERP system.
• Reconciling programme costs and providing meaningful analysis for all relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with programme teams and other stakeholders to provide clear financial insight and resolve queries promptly.
• Assisting with the input of programme income and costs to the monthly Management Accounts and year-end Financial Statements
• Supporting internal and external audits.
• Ensuring adherence to the Centres Financial Regulations and procedures.
• Carrying out financial evaluations as part of procurement exercises.
• Providing general support to the Finance Section.

Profile

What we are looking for

• Solution-oriented with a strong understanding of how to evaluate the financial, commercial, and strategic implications of ECMWF’s activities.
• Ability to manage large and complex financial tracking and forecasting models in MS Excel with attention to detail as well as updating and developing these models over time.
• Ability to communicate financial information/analysis with colleagues that do not have a financial background.
• Capacity to manage a range of conflicting, and urgent issues to tight deadlines.
• Ability to challenge financial processes and make recommendations to improve efficiency and quality of reporting.
• Strong analytical and excellent organisational skills are essential.
• Good relationship skills with a focus on client service.

Essential criteria

• At least 3 years proven experience in an accounting role with hands-on experience in several different areas of accounting
• Experience of financial reporting and forecasting
• Strong proven experience with ERP or accountancy software with good experience using accounting/budgeting modules and financial reporting functionalities
• Ability to communicate financial information/analysis with colleagues that do not have a financial background.
• Excellent working knowledge at advanced level of MS-Excel) and a good working knowledge of other MS office products.
• Fluency in English is essential as candidates will be required to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English.

Desirable criteria

• Good experience of providing financial analysis and reports for decision-making.
• Experience working in an international, multidisciplinary and multi-lingual environment.
• Knowledge of French, German or Italian would be an advantage.

If you feel that you have the relevant profile and motivation to join us but don't meet precisely all of the desired skills or those that are 'an advantage' we encourage you to apply!

We offer

Grade remuneration: The successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. Full details of salary scales and allowances available on the ECMWF website at .

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term contract to start as soon as possible, until 31 May 2028, with the possibility for further extensions.

Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station. As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid organisation model which allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking, including away from the duty station (within the area of our member states and co-operating states).

Interviews by videoconference (MS Teams).

Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

Who can apply

Applicants should apply through the online application form on the ECMWF jobs website.

At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture. We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.

Applications are invited from nationals from ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States. In these exceptional times, we also welcome applications from Ukrainian nationals for this vacancy. Applications from nationals from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.

ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.