EMBL
scientific research
Accountant
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.
“Accountant at EMBL. Skills: accounts payable processes, accounting activities, vendor management, month-end closing, travel and expense claims processing, audit support, financial reporting. Process and book accounts payable (AP) transactions accurately and in a timely manner. Reconcile open AP items, investigate discrepancies, and liaise directly with suppliers to resolve issues”
What You'll Achieve.
ensuring the smooth operation of our accounts payable processes; supporting accounting activities; maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders; ensuring assigned tasks are completed within agreed timelines; ensuring compliance with financial rules, travel policies, and audit requirements; ensuring accuracy and compliance; ensuring proper documentation and policy adherence; Identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for automation and standardisation within AP and expense processes
Industry & Context.
problem-solving skills; investigate discrepancies; resolve issues; solutions-oriented approach
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Fluency in English and Spanish, French, or German is required
Nice to Have
CIMA or ACCA certification is a plus
What You'll Do.
Process and book accounts payable (AP) 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 vendor master data
including bank details
ensuring accuracy and compliance
Support month-end closing activities
ensuring assigned tasks are completed within agreed timelines
and process travel and expense claims (staff
ensuring compliance with financial rules
and audit requirements
Process reimbursements in the ERP system with correct accounting treatment and timely execution
Review and manage corporate credit card transactions
and other business-related costs
ensuring proper documentation and policy adherence
Provide guidance to staff
Unit and Site Administrators on expense
and corporate credit card policies and best practices
Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation
responding to queries
and addressing findings in coordination with Finance
Maintain accurate records
and logs related to expense and credit card processing
Produce regular and ad hoc reports
and statistics on expenses
and compliance metrics
Contribute to finance-related projects
including process improvements
and opportunities for automation and standardisation within AP and expense processes
Perform other finance and administrative duties as assigned
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
liaise directly with suppliers; Coordinate with Treasury; Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to queries, and addressing findings in coordination with Finance, the Budget Office, and Team Leads; collaborate across different departments and cultures
Communication Scope
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact sensitively with staff from diverse backgrounds; communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
Process & Methodology
Contribute to finance-related projects, including process improvements, system enhancements, and policy updates
Full Job Description
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. Your role 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 Accountant will be responsible for the following: * Process and book accounts payable (AP) 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 vendor master data, including bank details, ensuring accuracy and compliance. * Support month-end closing activities, ensuring assigned tasks are completed within agreed timelines. * Review, validate, and process travel and expense claims (staff, visitors, entitlements), ensuring compliance with financial rules, travel policies, and audit requirements. * Process reimbursements in the ERP system with correct accounting treatment and timely execution. * Review and manage corporate credit card transactions, hospitality expenses, and other business-related costs, ensuring proper documentation and policy adherence. * Provide guidance to staff, Unit and Site Administrators on expense, travel, and corporate credit card policies and best practices. * Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to queries, and addressing findings in coordination with Finance, the Budget Office, and Team Leads. * Maintain
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