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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
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.
To reinforce the Finance Department within the Administration Directorate at its Headquarters in Garching, ESO is advertising the position of:
ESO's Finance Department ensures the sound financial management of the Organisation's resources in line with its rules and governing body directives. The department is responsible for Budgeting and Controlling, Accounting, Invoice Control and Treasury. With integrated teams in Garching and Santiago de Chile, and 16 staff members from 8 nationalities, ESO offers a diverse and stimulating work environment.
We are seeking a hands-on, experienced accounting professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to manage the full accounting cycle, including fixed assets, general ledger, closings, and the preparation of financial statements. You will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of ESO's financial records and reporting.
This is a great opportunity to contribute your deep accounting knowledge in an international scientific organisation, and to help shape the financial processes during a planned transition to a new ERP system.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform a wide range of accounting tasks, ensuring completeness and accuracy of financial data across all areas;
- Support managing and maintaining the general ledger, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and accruals;
- Administer the fixed asset register, including classification, valuation, and coordination with technical departments;
- Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings;
- Participate in the preparation of the full financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, notes), in accordance with international public sector accounting standards (e.g. IPSAS);
- Liaise with internal stakeholders, external auditors and contribute to audit preparation and follow-up;
- Support the implementation and testing of our new ERP system, contributing accounting expertise to process development and system configuration.
Reports to:
Head of Finance Department
Key Competences and Experience
Essential Competences and Experience:
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting;
- Demonstrated ability to prepare financial statements independently and accurately;
- Strong understanding of international accounting standards (e.g. IPSAS, IFRS);
- Experience in fixed asset accounting, including capitalisation of complex assets;
- Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking and ability to work with high accuracy;
- Ability to manage priorities independently and proactively in a dynamic environment;
- Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle) and strong skills in Microsoft Excel;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering proactive stakeholder management in an international and multicultural environment.
Desirable Competencies and Experience:
- Experience in an international or intergovernmental organisation;
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics NAV;
Qualifications:
Essential
A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. In the absence of a degree, a recognised professional accounting qualification and at least eight years of directly relevant experience may be considered.
Desirable
A relevant professional qualification (e.g. Certified Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Bilanzbuchhalter, or equivalent).
Language Skills:
A very good command of English is essential. A good command of German and/or working knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.
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 the possibility 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 at http://jobs.eso.org/. 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 18 May 2025.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
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.