Asset Accountant

Job Description

Introduction

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.

Functions

You will:   

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Experience:

• 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.

Technical competencies:

• Accounting control and analysis, book-keeping and book-closing.
• Financial reporting and analysis, handling large volumes of data.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Demonstrating Accountability: using openness and honesty to interact constructively with others.
• Solving Problems: assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.

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 24.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: FAP-ACC-GA-2026-214-LD

Field of work: Finance, Control & Audit

Benchmark Job Title: Financial Professional

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), 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.

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!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

Compensation: 9236 to N/A (CHF) (MONTHLY)