Accounts Payable Assistant (FAP-ACC-AP-2025-86-LD)
Join CERN and utilize your accounts payable experience in an exceptional environment.
Overview
Join CERN and utilize your accounts payable experience in an exceptional environment.
You have:
- Higher administrative diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of accounting, finance or a related field.
- Experience in accounting or bookkeeping, in particular with accounts payable or accounts receivable.
- Experience in an international environment would be an advantage.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.
Company Description
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.
Job Description
Introduction
Do you have several years of experience in accounts payable? Join CERN and put your skills to use in an exceptional environment! We are looking for a positive, motivated and dynamic person who is able to handle large volumes of work and maintain flexibility, while remaining attentive to detail and being well organised.
You will join the Accounting Services group within the Finance and administrative processes department (FAP-ACC). More specifically the Accounts Payable section (AP) is a team of 6-8 people which receives all invoices and credit notes from suppliers. These are recorded, controlled and authorised for payment. The section processes between 35 000 and 45 000 invoices per year.
Functions
Within the Accounts Payable section, you will gradually take on the following functions within the team:
- Recording, checking and settling of invoices received by the organization (35 000- 45 000 per year); for some suppliers with monthly invoicing and multiple orders, checking the invoices requires analysis in excel.
- Following up service provider and supply contracts in close collaboration with the technical managers, procurement officers and suppliers.
- Analysing data and contributing to projects.
- Coding and entering financial accounting entries related to payables, and monitoring supplier accounts.
- Maintaining regular contact with various internal services and external parties.
- Responding to a significant volume of ad hoc requests from both internal and external contacts (using a ticket system).
- Taking responsibilities during the bookclosing for recording accruals on invoices.
Qualifications
Higher administrative diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of accounting, finance or a related field.
Experience:
- Experience in accounting or bookkeeping, in particular with accounts payable or accounts receivable.
- Experience in an international environment would be an advantage.
Technical competencies:
- Cost control.
- Financial reporting and analysis.
- Use of office software packages: particularly very good knowledge of Excel.
- Accounting control and analysis: specifically accounts payable.
Behavioural competencies:
- Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems.
- Demonstrating accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises; presenting information accurately and objectively.
- Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.
- Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements. Demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.
Additional Information
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 26.05.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Employment Conditions
Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
This position involves:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Job grade: 3-4
Job reference: FAP-ACC-AP-2025-86-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Process/Services Assistant
Potential interview questions
How do you handle large volumes of work while maintaining attention to detail? | This assesses your ability to manage significant workloads without compromising accuracy. | Provide examples of systems or methods you use to stay organized under pressure. |
Describe a time when you had to analyze an invoice with discrepancies. | The interviewer wants to evaluate your analytical skills in financial contexts. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Can you give an example of how you manage relationships with suppliers? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
How do you prioritize your tasks during a busy period? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
What measures do you take to ensure accuracy in financial reporting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
How do you adapt your work style to fit team dynamics? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Describe a situation where you took initiative in your work. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
What tools or software do you use for accounts payable management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |