Head of Accounting

EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff Member
Contract Duration: 5 years
Grading: 6, 7 or 8, depending on experience and qualifications
Closing Date: 26 July 2015
Reference Number: HD_00701

Job Description

Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, the Head of Accounting is responsible for all financial and management reporting within EMBL. He/she manages a team of appr. 10 qualified and part qualified accountants that covers all the main functions of a classic accounting department. Her/his responsibilities include:

• Financial Reporting:
• Management of all financial and management reporting processes;
• Management of the production of EMBL’s annual financial statements;
• Acting as the key contact point for EMBL’s external audits;
• Acting as technical, lead for all accounting matters;
• Maintaining and developing the SAP accounting system along with associated reporting systems (including financial aspects of Business Warehouse);
• Dealing with financial and budgetary issues from management and scientific staff.
• Internal Control:
• Management of the successful operation of all internal controls relevant to the accounting department and external financial reporting;
• Developing and optimising the effectiveness of internal controls within the accounting department and external financial reporting, consistent with the internal control environment in EMBL;
• Acting as key contact for internal audit for all matters pertaining to the Accounting department.
• Financial Transaction Processing:
• Management of the processing of all financial transactions;
• Development and optimisation of all financial processing systems;
• Control of cash flow and treasury operations;
• Management of issues surrounding value-added and other relevant taxes;
• Dealing with financial and budgetary issues from management and scientific staff.
• Staff Management:
• Managing, training and developing Accounting Department staff.

The person appointed will be expected to establish a good working relationship with other departments within EMBL and its outstations as well as with internal and external auditors. The successful candidate might be appointed to deputise for the Head of Finance.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a recognised qualification in accounting and a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in a similar role. The candidate will need to demonstrate a successful history of staff and organisation management and how she/he has developed and motivated a successful team. Organisational skills combined with high service orientation and the ability to work independently and communicate effectively are required. Key to success in the role will be effective and transparent communication, the ability to persuade and influence and a sound understanding of financial processes and reporting. A sound knowledge of SAP FI/CO or similar is essential. Furthermore, excellent IT skills particularly Excel are a pre-requisite.

Previous experience of working in an international organisation or an organisation engaged in research would be an advantage. Excellent working knowledge of English is essential for this position. The knowledge of German would be an advantage as would knowledge of French.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs.

Additional Information

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany) and the outstations are in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.