Head of Finance Service

Reporting to the Director of Administration, you hold a key position within our organisation. You contribute to major strategic orientations and ensure their translation into robust financial and budgetary frameworks.

As a trusted partner to the Directors, you support them in their strategic decision-making, while ensuring optimal use of resources, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the overall financial performance of the ESRF.

You oversee a team of 16 staff members and are seconded by three heads of units and an assistant. Your main responsibilities include:

• Ensuring financial robustness: You guarantee the reliability of financial statements, oversee budget monitoring, and ensure compliance with applicable financial rules and standards at the ESRF.
• Driving the long-term budget trajectory: You contribute to the preparation of 10-year financial plans, acting as a key interface between the Divisions and the Budget Unit. You provide financial visibility and secure long-term financial sustainability.
• Leading and structuring the finance function: You manage all activities related to accounting, budgeting, treasury, billing, and stores. Supported by three middle managers and an assistant, you demonstrate inclusive and empowering leadership, fostering engagement, skills development, and performance.
• Continuously improving processes and tools: As a proactive driver of change, you identify and implement organizational improvements and system enhancements to increase efficiency, reliability, and process fluidity.
• Reporting to management and governance bodies: You prepare the financial documents and you ensure the relevance, clarity, and quality of the financial analyses presented. You are in charge of the organisation and the minutes of the Administrative and Finance Committee, a strategic body that meets twice a year
• Advising management: As a trusted advisor to the Directors, you support them in steering their budgets, particularly in relation to complex funding schemes such as European grants.