At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic Finance team and support day-to-day operations in a world-leading research environment.
- Company: EMBL-EBI, a global leader in biological data storage and analysis.
- Benefits: Generous salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities and campus life perks.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on science while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Basic bookkeeping knowledge and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 31587 - 31587 £ per year.
Your role
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Accounts Assistant to join a busy and collaborative Finance team supporting a world-leading scientific research environment. Based in Hinxton, the Finance team provides local financial support and processing services for EMBL-EBI, while working closely with colleagues at EMBL headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in finance, whether you already have accounts payable experience or are seeking an entry-level role with full training provided. Reporting directly to the Finance Supervisor, you will work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and play a key role in supporting day-to-day finance operations.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Processing of non-purchase order invoices involving the use of File-Maker and SAP
- Bank Account Reconciliations
- Credit control activities
- Processing Staff Expenses and reimbursement requests
- Time sheet control and administration
- Supplier Vendor Checks
- Insurance Claims
- Cost Centre Transfers
- Grant Audit Requests
- Monitoring the busy finance mailbox
You have:
- Qualification in basic bookkeeping or equivalent
- Previous accounts payable experience (for Grade 3 appointments)
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Credit control experience
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluent English skills
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
You may also have:
- Experience using SAP and/or Workday
Contract length: 3 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years
Salary: Grade 2, Monthly salary from £2,632.25 after tax, excluding personal pension and insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits.
Why join us:
Do something meaningful. At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.
Join a culture of innovation. We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.
Enjoy Lots Of Benefits:
- Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
- Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page.
What else you need to know:
EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes. Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date: 09/06/2026
Accounts Assistant employer: European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
At EMBL-EBI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive in their careers. Located on the picturesque Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton, we provide generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements that tackle global challenges. Join us to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to innovation and excellence in the field of biological research.
Contact Details:
European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance field, especially those who work at EMBL-EBI or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of SAP and Excel. We all know that being familiar with these tools can set you apart, so practice some common tasks and be ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills during interviews! Think of examples from your past experiences where you tackled challenges head-on. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the day-to-day operations in a busy finance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at EMBL-EBI!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Accounts Assistant role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Finance team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for finance!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As an Accounts Assistant, attention to detail is key! In your application, be sure to mention specific examples where your meticulous nature has helped in previous roles or projects. This will help us see that you’re the right fit for our busy finance environment.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t forget to let your personality shine through! A bit of warmth and authenticity can go a long way in making your application stand out. Remember, we’re looking for someone who fits into our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our online system. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on basic bookkeeping principles and be ready to discuss your understanding of accounts payable processes. Familiarise yourself with terms like bank reconciliations and credit control, as these are key responsibilities in the role.
✨Showcase Your Tech Skills
Since the job mentions using File-Maker and SAP, it’s a good idea to highlight any experience you have with these systems or similar software. If you don’t have direct experience, consider discussing how quickly you learn new technologies.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively, especially when discussing how you would handle interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is crucial in finance roles. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed tasks that required precision, whether in previous jobs or during your studies. This will show that you understand the importance of accuracy in financial operations.
