Invoice Controller

Invoice Controller

ESO – European Southern Observatory

Garching, Germany

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.

ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world’s most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, the world’s largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA. On Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will become “the world’s biggest eye on the sky” and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.

Due to the need for additional resources within its Finance Department, for its Administration Directorate at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of Invoice Controller.

As part of the Administration Directorate, the Finance Department ensures that financial resources are used according to the applicable rules and regulations, and in line with the directions defined by ESO’s governing bodies. Our Finance Department covers four main areas: Budgeting and Controlling, Accounting (including payroll), Invoice Control and Treasury. It operates in an integrated way with units in Garching, Germany and in Santiago de Chile. The Finance team is made up of 15 staff with 9 nationalities and a wide range of experience making up our multicultural and diverse team.

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Invoice Controller to join our dynamic finance team at our HQ in Garching. You will play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our accounts payable processes. You will be joining at an exciting time as we look to implement a new ERP system in the near future.

This is an excellent opportunity for accounting professionals. The role is critical in supporting the Invoice Controlling team within the Finance Department in executing various tasks that fall under their respective responsibility.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and validate incoming invoices for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with our policies and contractual terms;
• Collaborate with various departments to obtain necessary documentation and resolve discrepancies;
• Process invoices in a timely manner and ensure prompt payment to vendors;
• Assist in preparing financial reports and statements as required;
• Liaise with Treasury to optimize cash flow management and with General accounting to ensure the correct accrual process;
• Provide support during audits and address audit-related inquiries.

Reports to:

Head of Finance Department.

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential Competences and Experience:

• At least five years of experience working as an Invoice Controller or in a similar financial role;
• Strong experience in dealing with complex construction contracts and the ability to understand detailed contractual terms and validate that they are applied compliantly;
• Analytical mindset and a strong attitude to solving problems and resolving issues;
• High level of attention to detail and ability to quickly and effectively identify potential flaws;
• Ability to work independently, adapt to change, and prioritize own activities;
• Solid knowledge of a larger scale ERP system (e.g. SAP, Oracle) and the Microsoft Office Package (especially MS Excel);
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills in international and multicultural environments, with the ability to engage with technical and scientific experts.

Desirable Competencies and Experience:

• Working experience in an intergovernmental organisation;
• Ability to rapidly understand and adapt to the ESO specific context;
• User experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, plus a demonstrated interest in Law or other relevant degree, is required.

In lieu of a degree, relevant technical qualifications may also be accepted. In this case, at least eight years of directly relevant experience are required.

Language Skills:

A very good command of the English language is essential, a good command of German is desirable, and a working knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.

Our Salary Structure:

ESO’s salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience.

Please follow this attached link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/.

ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.

The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There may be a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO’s conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/). Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.

Duty Station: ESO Headquarters at Garching, near Munich.
Career Path: III

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Deadline for applications is 6 September 2024.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

ESO Values:

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO Values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.

Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity:

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.

Nationality:

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.

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