Accounting Assistant in Heidelberg bei European Molecular Biology Laboratory

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with approx. 2 000 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

We are looking for an Accounting Assistant to join us at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany. In this role you will be responsible for EMBL’s accounts payable under the overall guidance of one of the Accountants in the Accounting Unit. In particular you will ensure accounting, record-keeping and reconciliations are in line with established EMBL finance processes and international public accounting standards.

This role is a three-year accounting team support role for the migration from SAP to Workday ERP.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited, to the following:

Accounts Payable

• Processing/posting accounts payable transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Reconcile open AP items, investigate discrepancies and liaise directly with suppliers to resolve issues.
• Liaise with Treasury to ensure timely payment of invoices.
• Maintain accounts payable and supplier bank details and maintain master data.
• Participate in month end close to ensure delegated tasks are completed and agreed deadlines are met.
• Processing credit card transactions, following up documentation and assisting card administrators as required.
• Processing staff and visitor reimbursements, ensuring proper authorisation flows and verifying submitted documentation.
• Other ad-hoc accounts payable duties.

Other finance and administrative operations

• Administrative support and organisation of the accounting team.
• Assist with ad hoc accounting projects (e.g. Workday).
• Assist with period end activities as required.
• Participate in and support internal and external audits (e.g. collection of documentation).

Other finance and administrative duties as assigned

The post holder will work closely with the Budget office, Purchasing and Scientific groups as well as external contacts like vendors, debtors and others. The applicant will be required to be flexible in delivering assigned tasks and willing to assist in various areas within the accounting department.

Contract duration: 3 years (project

As our ideal candidate will be expected to take ownership of areas responsible for, be proactive in problem-solving, self-motivated, diligent in complying with internal controls and continuously develop accounting knowledge.

Experience with modern ERP systems is a prerequisite, preferably with SAP or Workday, as well as good knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel and Word. In addition to fluency in written and spoken English, a good working knowledge of German is a prerequisite.

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including your family and the availability of an excellent child care facility on campus.

EMBL Administration units are responsible for supporting all parts of EMBL and for undertaking and delivering long-term strategic administrative planning. With more than 200 staff, in all support areas, ranging from caretakers and gardeners to senior management staff, EMBL Administration provides administrative support to approx. 2 000 members of personnel from in excess of 80 nations. The team is dedicated to maintaining high quality services to staff at all EMBL sites.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed up to 9 years in total, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.