Accountant

EMBL is among the world’s highest ranked scientific research organisations aimed to explore the secrets of life. EMBL integrates 28 member states and employs close to 1800 people across its six research sites in Barcelona, Cambridge (Hinxton), Grenoble, Hamburg, Heidelberg, and Rome. Its headquarters is located in Heidelberg (Germany) and integrate both research groups and core facilities.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Accountant to join our finance team in Heidelberg, Germany. You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our accounts payable processes, supporting accounting activities, and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Your role

The principle tasks of this role will include:

Accounts Payable

• Process and book accounts payable transactions accurately and in a timely manner.

• Reconcile open AP items, investigate discrepancies, and liaise directly with suppliers to resolve issues.

• Coordinate with Treasury to ensure timely payment of invoices.

• Maintain accurate accounts payable and vendor bank details master data.

• Assist in month-end closure activities, ensuring all delegated tasks are completed within agreed timelines.

• Process credit card transactions and staff reimbursements, ensuring proper authorization and documentation.

• Support VAT reimbursement-related operations, including preparation, submission, and follow-up of VAT refund claims.

• Perform other ad hoc accounts payable duties as required.

• Accounting and Administrative Operations

• Support various finance and administrative operations, including accounting projects.

• Support period-end closing activities and record-keeping of accruals and deferrals.

• Be a focal point for one of EMBL sites.

• Manage invoice-control and accounting-related mailboxes.

• Support internal and external audits.

• Collaborate closely with the Budget Office, Purchasing, Scientific groups, and external contacts, including vendors and debtors.

• Be flexible and willing to assist across different areas within the accounting department.

Your Profile
Our ideal candidate is proactive, takes ownership of responsibilities, and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills. You are deadline-oriented, self-motivated, diligent in complying with internal controls, and committed to continuously developing your accounting expertise. You thrive in a team environment, communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and can collaborate across different departments and cultures.

You have 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CIMA or ACCA certification is a plus.

• At least 3 years of relevant accounting experience in accounts payable, VAT operations, or financial administration preferably in an international and multicultural setting.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact sensitively with staff from diverse backgrounds.

• Proactive, organised, and solutions-oriented approach with strong attention to detail, and the ability to work to demanding deadlines.

• Fluency in English and Spanish, French, or German is required for this position.

Why join us
EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation. 

We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.

Enjoy lots of benefits

• Financial incentives: Salary free of income tax, Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays

• Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable)

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (select sites), on-site library and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely).

• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances

• Benefits for international newcomers: Visa exemption, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.

• For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here

To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Contract length: 3 years (renewable up to 9)

Starting salary: Grade 4 (Starting salary 3705 EUR or higher, depending on experience and qualifications)