Senior Accounting Analyst

Our flagship programme Finance 360: The EPO is undertaking a major transformation programme called Finance 360 ("F360"). As part of this, Principal Directorate (PD) Finance aims to become a business partner for the entire organisation. By optimising financial processes, associated technology and organisational matters, it is seeking to provide higher value-added deliverables for the entire business and build a robust financial culture throughout the Office. Streamlining and simplifying processes will deliver efficiency gains for PD Finance and the organisation as a whole. 

Be part of the transformation: In our Directorate Treasury and Accounting, we are now looking for a new team member to manage project activities within the F360 programme, helping to redesign and optimise financial processes. The successful candidate will also draw up the interim and annual financial statements according to IFRS and perform accounting, analyses and financial controlling activities. The position will suit someone who likes challenges and is keen to develop further. 

With us you will: 

• combine work in accounting operations with an active role in impactful projects (e.g. target architectures, streamlining and digitising the core finance, procure-to-pay and order-to-cash processes)
• draw up financial statements in line with International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and conduct technical discussions with the external auditors
• evaluate the impact of business changes and new policies on our IFRS financial statements
• be the subject‑matter expert for assigned accounting matters and related business processes
• draft and update work-related documentation and accounting guidelines
• provide presentations and expert opinions on accounting issues for senior management

Apply if you have: 

• a minimum of five years of professional experience in accounting and auditing (external or internal) in large companies and/or organisations, and preferably more than ten years of experience in auditing coupled with hands-on experience in accounting operations
• sound knowledge of international accounting standards (IFRS), ideally with professional certification (e.g. ACCA, chartered accountant, CPA)
• proficiency in working with SAP (ideally modules FI/CO/PSCD) or similar ERP systems, as well as with analytical and visualisation tools (e.g. MS Office, SAS, SAC, Tableau) 
• experience in process analysis and optimisation (required); experience in change and project management (distinct advantage) 
• the ability to prepare clear and comprehensive documents for management decisions 
• effective communication skills for partnering closely with multiple stakeholders 
• a hands-on mentality with a drive to get things done 

Our minimum requirements for this post

• Diploma of completed studies at master's level or – in exceptional cases – equivalent professional experience

• Generally, an excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one official language (English, French and German) and ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of at least one official language (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing language(s) and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)

• Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

Process

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications, competencies, professional experience and language knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by interviews, tests and/or a personality questionnaire.A reserve list may be constituted, should more candidates than required at this time be considered suitable following the selection procedure. Such reserve lists are valid for 18 months and reserve list candidates may be contacted, should a vacancy with substantially the same profile arise during that period. More information on how we recruit can be found on our EPO jobs and careers site.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key information

Job group: 4

Grade: G7 to G10 (net basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 6 459 to 9 364, depending on experience and location)

Duration of appointment: five years

Career path: Technical 

Location: Office-wide 

Application deadline: 8 August 2023

Interviews planned for: August / September 2023

* after deduction of EPO-internal tax and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.

We welcome all applications for vacant positions. We consider each on its professional merits – regardless of your nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion or belief.