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Accountant European Youth Forum

Brussels, Belgium

Duration of the contract: Open-ended
Deadline for applications: 26th August 2011, 13.00h CET


The European Youth Forum (YFJ) is recruiting a full-time accountant, starting as soon as possible.

The European Youth Forum (YFJ) is a platform of 98 national youth councils and international youth NGOs from across Europe. It endeavours to serve the interests of young people from all over Europe and promote their active participation in decision-making processes, working with international institutions - principally the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations. Currently the Youth Forum has a budget of approximately 3 million Euros and a staff of 25 employees.

The European Youth Forum is now recruiting a full-time accountant. This position is based at the European Youth Forum Secretariat in Brussels, within the Administrative and Financial Department, and reports directly to the Administrative and Financial Director.

TASKS

  • To manage the general accounting, preparation and execution of journal entries, expense accruals, expense reports, invoicing (membership fees and other), etc;
  • To compose annually the income statement and balance sheet concerning the financial year;
  • To monitor the accounts held with YFJ suppliers and creditors/debtors;
  • To follow up and update on the YFJ social and fiscal files and verify calculation and payment of staff salaries and per diems;
  • To assist in the budgeting procedure when necessary;
  • To follow and ensure adherence to the Internal YFJ Financial Guidelines;
  • To provide assistance and clarifications to YFJ Members concerning financial issues related to the Youth Forum, namely the Membership Fees;
  • To hold and oversee the petty cash;
  • To prepare the payment of invoices and reimbursements for YFJ staff, officials, and event participants, etc.;
  • To report the depreciation of YFJ fixed assets;
  • To assist in internal and external audits;
  • To assist the Administrative and Financial Director regarding other tasks where necessary;
  • To provide general support to colleagues when needed.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Holds a degree in accounting - A1/A2 (or equivalent) diploma, and holds good knowledge of Belgian bookkeeping legislation and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and Belgian social and fiscal legislation;
  • Has 3-5 years of professional experience in accounting, in Belgium;
  • Has experience of internal financial reporting and budgeting;
  • Capable of working under pressure and to tight deadlines, with flexible hours and, when required, on weekends;
  • Capacity to work in an international team, as well as under own initiative;
  • Able to travel when necessary;
  • Based in Brussels or its surroundings.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

  • Ability to prioritise work and multitask;
  • Ability to meet deadlines and realise goals;
  • Extremely good organisational skills;
  • Capacity to work with people from different social and cultural backgrounds;
  • Fluency in English and French and good writing skills in both languages;
  • Computer literacy, with good working knowledge of different software applications, namely accounting software (Exact or other), word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and internet.

TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

The position is an indefinite contract position and a full-time contract (35 hours per week). The monthly gross salary will be up to 2.550 EUR depending on prior experience. Hospitalisation insurance and other benefits are available. Travel expenses within the Brussels region are covered by the European Youth Forum.

To apply for this post, a CV and letter of motivation should reach the Secretary-General of the Youth Forum, 120, rue Joseph II, B-1000 Brussels. Fax +32 2 230 21 23, e-mail: recruitment@youthforum.org no later than Tuesday 26 August 2011 13:00 CET.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted within about one week after the deadline and may be requested to provide references from previous work.

Selected candidates will be invited to interviews taking place in Brussels.

Due to the high number of applications usually received for YFJ vacancies, only candidates short-listed for interview will be contacted. Reception of applications sent by email will be acknowledged.

The Youth Forum aims to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the ground of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.