Asset Accountant

What you'll do

Within CERN’s Finance and Administrative Processes Department (FAP), specifically the Accounting Services Group. We are looking for a dynamic person to join our General Accounting (GA) section and play an active role in the accounting of CERN’s tangible and intangible assets, as well as its inventories. You will also support broader financial reporting activities and exciting accounting projects. There will be a particular focus on Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE).

As an experienced Accountant, you will join a team of seven professionals and play a key role in all activities related to asset accounting.

Your responsibilities

Coordinate regular register(s) updates and reviews of useful lives and residual values with other CERN stakeholders.
Analyse CERN projects to identify new assets or consolidation/upgrade of existing assets.
Perform accounting entries related to movements of assets, depreciation/amortisation, and impairment tests.
Support the ongoing ERP transformation project touching the areas of asset accounting and financial accounts.
Perform balance sheet account reconciliations, including a reconciliation of assets register(s) to financial accounts.
Maintain policies, procedures, and controls to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant asset accounting.
Coordinate physical assets counts.
Support external auditors queries.
Support preparation of the Organization’s Financial Statements, including assets related notes and disclosures.
Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Proven experience as a general accountant with a focus on asset accounting, such as Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE).
Demonstrated experience with international accounting standards IFRS and/or IPSAS.
Experience preferably acquired in a company handling large volumes of data or in an international organisation.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Accounting, Finance or a related field. Accounting certification, such as ACA, CA, CPA, etc.

Your skills

Accounting control and analysis, book-keeping and book-closing.
Financial reporting and analysis, handling large volumes of data.
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Uses openness and honesty to interact constructively with others.
Assimilates large quantities of information, identifies key issues and formulates conclusions clearly and concisely.
Demonstrates a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supports initiatives for change.
Works well autonomously; takes on activities and tasks without prompting.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 5A0030 - Financial Professional

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

FAP delivers reliable financial services and business computing solutions that are agile, compliant, and future-ready — through the automation of financial operations, improved financial planning capabilities, and a simplified, unified business software environment that supports CERN’s strategic ambitions.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

Ready To apply?

Be prepared with our resources and tips

All good?

Apply now Allow 15 minutes to complete your online application

Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.