Job description

The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organisation with 30 member countries and around 130 Associate and Affiliate member organisations. EFI undertakes forest research and policy support at pan-European and global level. Its headquarters are in Joensuu, Finland, and it also has offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Rome, and Brussels. The Institute has approx. 130 staff members and has an annual turnover of approx. 19 million euros. Further information is available at www.efi.int.

EFI is seeking an enthusiastic and customer focused Senior Finance Officer to join the Finance Unit located in Joensuu, Finland.

Approximately 80% of EFI’s funding comes from, often competitively won, project grants or similar. The focus of the Senior Finance Officer is to ensure that the project finances in your areas are well managed, correctly reported, and accurately reflected in the accounts. The role also supports the broader financial management of EFI.

This role would suit a candidate with previous experience working with controller/accountant tasks, who has an interest in helping to develop relationships and processes within the organisation. The successful candidate should be fluent in Finnish and have a good understanding of English.

Responsibilities will include:

• Provide a positive and customer focused level of support, guidance, and challenge to the project managers, helping with the management and monitoring of projects.

1. Provide guidance and instruction regarding project/donor financial rules for supported areas.
2. Ensure that project financial information is correctly reflected in the accounts, review with the project managers and make reconciliations and corrections where necessary.
3. Prepare project financial reports to external (customer/donor) organisations and be the point of contact for external financial audits of projects.
4. Support the financial management of related projects.
5. Support the preparation of project proposals (bids), and the contract preparation process.

• Manage project related processes as part of the monthly routines, guide and support others as required.
• Support the financial & budgetary management of assigned units/departments.
• Become the expert in project related elements in the ERP system (Oracle NetSuite) and contribute to continuous improvement of the tools and processes.
• Support the financial management, administration, and reporting of the overall organisation.

Employment Conditions

The position is based at EFI Headquarters in Joensuu, Finland. There could be opportunities for occasional travel (1-2 times per year) to EFI’s other locations.

EFI offers competitive benefits and salary package, which includes flexible working arrangements, additional pension contribution, private medical insurance, life and disability insurance and 35 days annual holiday which is available (pro-rata) from the very beginning of employment.

The recruitment and interview process will be ongoing until the vacancy has been filled, so interested candidates should apply soon, using our online application form.

EFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be treated confidentially.

Enquiries about EFI and the respective position are encouraged, and should be addressed to: Mark Pilbeam, Head of Finance, phone +358 (0) 50 464 9480, email: mark.pilbeam@efi.int

Job requirements

• Applicable degree in finance, economics or business administration, or another recognised finance/accountancy qualification (e.g. KHT, KTM, CPA, ACMA, etc.).
• Fluency in Finnish language is important, as is the ability to communicate in English.
• Proven high level of organisational skills, and a positive, proactive, and customer focused attitude.
• At least 6 years’ experience within finance/accounting teams. Experience in a project-based environment would be of particular benefit.
• Although not necessarily an expert, some familiarity with recognised accounting standards (e.g. Finnish Accounting Standards, or International Accounting Standards, etc.), either through studies or by practical experience, would be expected
• Experience using modern ERPs or financial/book-keeping software.

Apply at: https://careers.efi.int/o/senior-finance-officer/c/new