Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology to provide innovative research tools to the physics and engineering worldwide community. Within the EN Department, the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Group (MME) provides to the CERN community specific engineering solutions combining mechanical design, fabrication, and material sciences. The group includes the largest design office at CERN using computer-aided design (CAD) software. From the early concepts of a device to its final solution, an engineering unit works in close collaboration with designers. MME also hosts the Mechanical Measurements Laboratory, specialized in mechanical stress and strain, displacement, pressure and vibration. The group has internal workshop facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and a sub-contracting unit working in close collaboration with European industries. The group includes materials and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) competences and facilities for the development, selection, characterisation, quality control and analysis of materials.

Functions

As a Financial and Process Officer in MME, you will be monitoring and processing financial transactions related to the Group’s activity. You will also participate in MME business projects and making proposals for developing and improving engineering and business systems, processes and best practices within the Group (in particular its Design Office and Workshop).
You will:
– Monitor and process payments and incoming payments made by or to the Group;
– Monitor budget lines for the various services of the Group, in particular its Design Office and Workshop;
– Create and prepare regular accounts reports and financial analyses and forecasts, justifying them to Management and audit authorities;
– Take responsibility for regular book-closing and perform journal entries and book-keeping operations;
– Advise Group Management in accounting, financial and planning matters;
– Analyse and correct financial discrepancies;
– Collaborate with CERN stakeholders and internal services and ensure that accounts are reconciled;
– Streamline, enhance and harmonize MME financial, accounting and administrative procedures and processes;
– Contribute to define and implement MME finance- and business-related projects, procedures and tools.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of finance and administration, procurement or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing finances and accounting of medium-sized organizations or enterprises;
• Experience with business intelligence software products for data processing, business analysis and performance metrics, such as SAP Business Objects, Pentaho Business Analytics;
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and analysing financial statements;
• Demonstrated experience in creating and preparing accounts reports and financial analyses and forecasts;
• Demonstrated experience with office automation spreadsheet editor and data query tools, in particular Microsoft Excel and Power BI;
• Good analytical and organisational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Technical competencies:

• Accounting control and analysis;
• Financial reporting and analysis;
• Cost control: invoices, claims, orders, transfer of data to Finance applications;
• Organisation, planning and control;
• Use of accounting tools;
• Personnel and material resources planning: knowledge of tools for personnel time management, planning, scheduling, and activity management would be an advantage.

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating Accountability:
  • Maintaining confidentiality;
  • Making appropriate use of the Organization’s resources;
  • Presenting information accurately and objectively;
• Managing Self:
  • Working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting;
  • Taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen;
  • Remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems;
• Building Relationships:
  • Showing courtesy and consideration in dealings with others. Understanding how individual differences bring added value to the Organization; promoting complementarities;
  • Accepting others in a non-judgemental way and taking their point of view into account;
• Working in Teams:
  • Cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Demonstrating Flexibility:
  • Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements;
  • Being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.

Language skills:

Spoken and written French (level B2 min): ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.

Ability to understand and speak, or willingness to learn and improve English (courses provided by CERN).

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us by 23:59 on 26.03.2025.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.
• When required by the needs of the Organization:
  • work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: EN-MME-2025-37-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Financial Support Officer