Accounting Officer (AD5)

The Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU), based in Brussels, Belgium, is looking for an Accounting Officer (Temporary Agent, Grade AD5).

The purpose of this call is to fill one (1) vacant post and to establish a reserve list.

1. About IHI JU

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) aims to translate health research and innovation into real benefits for patients and society, and to ensure that Europe remains at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary, sustainable, patient-centric health research. Health research and healthcare increasingly involve diverse sectors. By supporting projects that bring these sectors together, IHI will pave the way for a more integrated approach to healthcare, covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and disease management.

IHI is a partnership between the European Union and European industry associations representing the pharmaceutical, medical technology, biotechnology, digital health and vaccine industries, namely COCIR, EFPIA, EuropaBio, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe.

IHI’s total budget is EUR 2.4 billion. Half of this comes from Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme. The IHI industry partners have committed EUR 1 billion to IHI, and a further EUR 200 million can be committed by other organisations that decide to support the objectives of IHI in specific areas of research by becoming contributing partners. IHI builds on the successes of the Innovative Medicines Initiative, and the IHI Programme Office continues to manage projects launched under IMI.

2. Job description

The Accounting Officer will play a key role in ensuring the swift, accurate and timely delivery against specific deadlines of all tasks falling under the responsibility of the accounting function. S/he will act as the Accounting Officer for IHI JU, but also for other Joint Undertakings as part of the Accounting Back-Office Arrangement. Appointed by the relevant Governing Board/s, the Accounting Officer is independent in the performance of its duties, exercising due diligence and taking appropriate measures to safeguard the entities’ financial interests.

The key responsibilities of the Accounting Officer will include, amongst others, the following:

Accounting operations

• Ensuring the proper implementation of payments, collection of revenue and recovery of amounts established as being receivable in the accounts
• Ensuring the accurate reconciliation and clearing of transactions;
• Ensuring the accurate registration and valuation of tangible and intangible assets.

Accounting and financial reporting

• Preparing and presenting the annual accounts for the assigned Joint Undertakings in compliance with the applicable accounting and financial rules;
• Preparing VAT reporting for the Belgian authorities, where applicable;
• Preparing reports based on accounting and/or other financial data (cashflows; forecasts, etc.), where applicable.

Compliance and internal control

• Monitoring compliance with the Financial Regulation as well as accounting rules and procedures;
• Implementing the chart of accounts and accounting rules, as well as issuing instructions;
• Drawing up and keeping updated documents describing the organisation of the accounts and the accounting procedures of the joint undertaking;
• Laying down and validating the accounting systems and, where appropriate, validating systems laid down by the authorising officer to supply or justify accounting information;
• Liaising with key stakeholders, including the European Court of Auditors and external auditors concerning accounting matters;
• Ensuring compliance with the professional standards and requirements set by the European Court of Auditors;
• Advising on accounting and related financial matters.

System and process optimisation

• Optimising the use of financial systems and accounting tools (SUMMA - SAP S/4HANA) including updating procedures and processes;
• Contributing to IT projects related to finance and accounting.

3. Eligibility criteria

Candidates will be considered for the selection phase on the basis of the following criteria to be fulfilled by the closing date for applications:

3.1 General conditions

• Be a national of a member state of the European Union;
• Enjoy his/her full rights as a citizen;
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws concerning military service;
• Meet the character requirements for the duties involved;
• Be physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post;
• As the predominant working language of IHI JU is English, candidates must have an excellent command of spoken and written English - level C1/C2 (note: native English speakers will be required to demonstrate the ability to work in a second EU language at interview stage). Candidates must also have a satisfactory knowledge (at least B2 level) of another of the official EU languages to the extent necessary for the performance of their duties (candidates are invited to specify in their CV possible language certificates they have obtained which can demonstrate their language skills).

3.2 Education

• Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma;

3.3 Experience

• In addition to the above, have at least seven (7) years of relevant professional work experience acquired from the time when the university degree giving access to the selection procedure was awarded.

Eligibility criteria must be fulfilled by the deadline for applications and maintained throughout the selection procedure and appointment. If candidates do not fulfil all the eligibility criteria, their application will not be taken into consideration.

4. Selection criteria

Candidates will be considered for the selection phase on the basis of the following criteria, to be fulfilled by the closing date for applications:

4.1 Essential criteria

• Suitability to perform the tasks described under point 2 job description;
• Demonstrated professional experience of at least 3 (three) years during the past 5 (five) years in accounting and financial reporting (acquired after the education referred to in section 3.2 education) (applicants must state in their applications how they have obtained this experience with specific examples);
• Demonstrated professional knowledge of the EU Financial Regulation and EU accounting rules (applicants must state in their applications how they have obtained this experience with specific examples);
• Demonstrated professional in-depth knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and standards (e.g. IPSAS and/or IFRS) (applicants must state in their applications how they have obtained this experience with specific examples);
• Experience working with SAP or similar ERP / accounting software (applicants must state in their applications how they have obtained this experience with specific examples).

4.2 Advantageous criteria

• Demonstrated professional experience with EU financial tools (ABAC or SUMMA) (applicants must state in their applications how they have obtained this experience with specific examples);
• Membership of a recognised professional accountancy organisation or body (certification as ‘chartered accountant’ e.g. ACCA, CPA).

4.3 Behavioural competences

Throughout the different phases of the selection procedure candidates will also be assessed on the following criteria that are essential to the post:

• Ability to organise work effectively, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail when analysing, compiling, and summarising complex financial data
• Capacity to deliver outstanding customer service within the context of conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively delivering complex information in a clear and structured manner and the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to apply strong analytical skills to interpret accounting and financial information
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English both orally and in writing

In order to be evaluated in the best possible way, candidates are recommended to provide evidence of their knowledge with specific examples and/or detailed professional experience. Candidates are invited to be as detailed and as clear as possible in the description of their professional experience, specific skills and competences in their application form. Failure to comply with the eligibility and essential selection criteria will result in the disqualification of the applicant concerned.

5. Independence and declaration of interest

The successful candidate will be required to make a declaration of their commitment to act independently in the public interest and to make a declaration in relation to interests that might be considered prejudicial to his/her independence. Candidates must confirm their willingness to do so in their application.

6. Appointment and reserve list

The recruitment will take place upon a decision of the IHI JU Executive Director (the Appointing Authority).

The Executive Director of the IHI JU will select a successful candidate from the reserve list and offer them the post. A binding commitment can only be made after the verification of all conditions and will take the form of a contract signed by the Appointing Authority of the IHI JU.

The reserve list could be used to fulfil other positions within the IHI JU depending on the needs of the Joint Undertaking and will be valid until the date indicated in the relevant vacancy (the validity of the reserve list may be extended).

Candidates should note that inclusion on the reserve list does not guarantee recruitment. Recruitment will be based on the availability of posts and budget. The IHI JU may decide at any time during the procedure not to pursue the recruitment.

The reserve list for this post will be valid until 31 December 2027 and may be extended at the discretion of the Appointing Authority of IHI JU.