Financial Controller (FMO)

EFTA - European Free Trade Association

Brussels, Belgium

Job Reference: VA 18/2014

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) administers the EEA Grants and Norway Grants (the 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 16 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. The FMO 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 53 employees.

Category/Level: A4
Division: Financial Mechanism Office
Start Date: As soon as possible, preferably by 1 February 2015
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 and Control.

Tasks

• Develop and maintain the financial reporting structure;
• Accounting for grants;
• 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 FMO staff by contributing to the financial aspects for the respective beneficiary state;
• Liaise with and provide the beneficiary state authorities with guidance and assistance on project/programme implementation issues.

Qualifications

• Relevant University degree, minimum Master's level.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of accounting, qualification in accounting is an asset;
• Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the financial monitoring of the publicly funded programmes/projects;
• 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 appreciate and follow priorities;
• High degree of organizational skills and ability to work under pressure; 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 84,387

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. In addition, depending on the candidate's family status, attractive benefits and allowances may apply.

Interested applicants should apply online via the 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: 16 November 2014.