Programme Accountant in Reading

Initial Contract of 2.5 years up to 30 September 2028, with possibility of extensions. Salary: £76,384 net salary + benefits.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.

The success of our activities depends on the funding and partnerships of the 35 Member and Co-operating States who provide the support and direction of our work. Our talented staff together with the international scientific community, and our powerful supercomputing capabilities, are the core of a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions. We also hold one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world.

ECMWF has also developed a strong partnership with the European Union and has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the Destination Earth Initiative and the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the Copernicus Programme and the Strengthening Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) Programme. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.

Your role

You will be responsible for managing the finances and reporting of European Commission (EC) funded programmes which ECMWF participates with, with emphasis and responsibility for the Destination Earth Initiative and the Strengthening Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) programmes, ensuring compliance with the respective contribution agreements and the ECMWF financial regulations and general accounting principles including IPSAS.

The role will report to the Senior Programme Accountant and be part of a highly-motivated and competent team managing the EC funded programmes of ECMWF.

Your responsibilities

• Lead on the development and production of statutory and ad-hoc reporting as required under the Destination Earth and SEWA Contribution Agreements.
• Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders, and auditors and expertly manage queries from the European Commission regarding accounting transactions relating to the programme services.
• Responsible for the forecasting and budgeting process of both Destination Earth and SEWA programmes, covering both in-house cost and third-party activities and provide variance analyses to be shared across the organisation as well as liaising with budget holders.
• Ensuring compliance with external and internal rules and regulations, with a willingness to explain and educate others as required.
• Managing the cash-flow forecast, including the production of regular cash flow projections for both programmes, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of cash management.
• Providing financial evaluations of procurement bids for carrying out operational services for EC funded programmes, including the ongoing monitoring of the financial performance of existing contractors.
• Specific areas of responsibility of the Financial Statement of Accounts prepared under International Public-Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Providing general support to the Finance Section.

What we are looking for

• Solution-oriented with a strong understanding of how to evaluate the financial, commercial, and strategic implications of ECMWF’s activities.
• Strong analytical skills for reviewing and evaluating financial positions and forecasts of large projects to provide financial insight to management.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts with colleagues that do not have a financial background and to develop a common understanding of the issues and potential resolutions.
• Capacity to manage a range of conflicting, and urgent issues to tight deadlines.
• Embrace change and continuously look to improve financial controls, processes and reports.
• Ability to work well across multi-disciplinary teams for successful project delivery.

Your profile

• Relevant university degree (EQF Level 7) and an internationally recognized professional accountancy qualification are required.
• At least 5 years proven experience in an accounting role with hands-on experience managing budgets and various accounting processes and in particular for externally funded projects.
• Strong understanding of the interplay between financial budgeting and accounting, reporting and overall financial management of a large externally funded programme in a modern ERP environment.
• Excellent working knowledge at advanced level of MS Excel and a good working knowledge of other MS office products.
• Fluency in English is essential as candidates will be required to work effectively in English.
• Strong experience in financial aspects of contract management and in the financial evaluation of projects and programmes.
• Experience of providing financial analysis, for reporting for key decision-making, including the use of core accounting systems combined with report writers.
• Experience working in an international, multidisciplinary and multi-lingual environment.
• Experience of working with the European Commission, its Agencies or intergovernmental organisations would be a strong advantage.
• A good working knowledge and experience of using Business World (previously known as Agresso) would be an advantage.

If you feel that you have the relevant profile and motivation to join us but don't meet precisely all of the skills above, we still encourage you to apply!

Closing date for applications: 8 February 2026.