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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, and 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.
For its Finance Department within the Directorate of Administration, at its Vitacura office in Santiago, Chile, ESO is advertising a local staff position of
We are currently in search of an experienced and team-oriented individual to join our dynamic Finance team in Santiago de Chile. Your role will be crucial, as you will be responsible for ensuring the accurate supplier invoice processing, working in close collaboration with team members and support during the forthcoming implementation of a new ERP system.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities shall be:
- Process and validate supplier invoices in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy, high data quality, completeness, and compliance with contracts and ESO internal policies.
- Verify pricing, taxes, cost allocation, projects, and funding sources (multi-currency, multi-entity environment).
- Resolve invoice discrepancies with suppliers, procurement, and internal stakeholders.
- Participate in an ERP implementation process.
Reports to:
Team Leader Accounting and Treasury / Finance Officer
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
- High attention to detail and analytical skills; with strong organizational and time-management focus.
- Proactive problem-solving mindset and continuous improvement orientation.
- Good communication skills to interact with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment.
- Solid understanding of accounts payable and invoice-to-pay processes.
- 3+ years of experience in accounts payable, invoice control, or similar finance role.
Desirable Competences and Experience
- Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle Fusion, Navision, SAP, or equivalent).
- Experience in multi-currency and/or international organizations.
Qualifications:
University degree in accounting or finance.
Language skills:
The position requires a working level proficiency in both English and Spanish (written and spoken communication skills)
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family. ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance via its flexible working and mobile working policies For any further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/localstaff/
The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of an indefinite extension, subject to performance evaluation and operational needs. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualifications and the number of years of experience of the selected candidate.
Duty Station:
The duty station is Santiago. Applicants should be resident in Chile.
Career Path:
This position has been assessed to be in Career path 3 which covers 3 grades.
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. Please additionally provide the contact information (email and phone number) of three professional references in your application who should be able to comment on your work, and who may be consulted as part of this hiring process. You will be informed beforehand in this case.
Deadline for applications is 31 March 2026.
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 excluded, however non-Chilean applicants must have a pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations, at the time of the application. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.