Financial Controller (FMO) EFTA Secretariat

Brussels, Belgium

Job Reference: VA 14/2012

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Grants and Norway Grants on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The funding schemes aim at reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and strengthening of bilateral relations with the 15 EU countries benefiting from the funding.

Key areas of support include environment and climate change, civil society, human and social development, cultural heritage and cultural exchange, research and scholarships, decent work and justice and home affairs.

The FMO is affiliated to the EFTA Secretariat in Brussels, reports to the ministries of foreign affairs of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It serves as a contact point for the donor states, beneficiary states and other stakeholders. The FMO has 50 employees.

Category/Level: A4
Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Location: Brussels
Start Date: 1 November 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term three years (renewable once if in the interest of the FMO)

Scope

The Financial Controller provides financial expertise in all aspects of project/programme management of the EEA and Norway Grants and in financial procedures of the FMO. The Financial Controller reports to the Head of Finance.

Tasks

• Develop and maintain the financial reporting structure;
• Verify and approve financial reporting;
• Prepare payments to the beneficiary states;
• Review project/programme audit and monitoring reports;
• Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk strategy, including the assessment of financial risk of programmes;
• Contribute with financial expertise to project/programme amendments and other financial issues;
• Support the Country Officer by contributing to the financial aspects for the respective beneficiary state;
• Prepare periodic disbursement statistics and forecasts for the Financial Mechanisms;
• Liaise with and provide the Focal Points, the Paying Authorities/Certifying Authorities and Audit Authorities with guidance and assistance on project/programme implementation issues; and
• Provide the FMO with the financial expertise required.

Qualifications

• Relevant University degree, minimum Master’s level.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting and liquidity forecasting;
• Ability to analyse financial data;
• Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook;
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also facility for team work;
• Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines; and
• Comprehensive IT-skills, including very good knowledge of Excel and basic knowledge of accounting systems.

Languages

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of another EFTA/EU language is an asset.

Employment Terms

Grade: A4
Annual Salary: EUR 83,386

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The Director of the FMO reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the FMO wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

Open to nationals of all EFTA and EU member states.

We offer a very interesting and challenging position in a dynamic and diverse environment and the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We also offer favourable tax conditions and attractive social benefits.

Interested applicants should apply online via the EFTA e-recruitment tool: http://jobs.efta.int/.

Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
Deadline for submission of application: 4 June 2012.