Trainee Finance

Trainee Finance

EDA - European Defence Agency

Brussels, Belgium

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE TRAINEESHIP

EDA’s traineeship programme is addressed to university graduates, including those who, in the framework of lifelong learning, have recently obtained a university diploma and are at the beginning of a new professional career.

The aim of EDA’s traineeship programme is:

• to introduce recent graduates to the professional world and enable them to apply knowledge acquired during their studies, particularly in their specific areas of competence;
• to create a pool of young people with first-hand understanding of EDA’s mission and activities;
• to enrich the work of EDA with a fresh point of view and up-to-date academic knowledge;
• to promote European integration and create awareness of European citizenship in a multi-cultural and multilingual environment.

While at EDA, trainees will be working side by side with motivated and highly qualified experts coming from the participating Member States and they will have the opportunity to contribute to specific projects within the Agency.

THE TRAINEESHIP

The aim of this traineeship is to provide the trainee with a comprehensive understanding of the financial operations and procedures of the Agency. This may include exposure to various financial processes such as budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and procurement. The trainee may also be involved in specific financial projects or tasks to develop practical skills and knowledge related to financial management.

Additionally, the traineeship may provide opportunities for the trainee to work with other Directorates/Units and stakeholders to understand the role of finance in supporting the overall objectives of the Agency. Ultimately, the aim of the traineeship is to provide the trainee with valuable learning experience and preparation for a career in finance within an EU Institution or Agency.

TASKS AND DUTIES

Under the supervision of a trainee advisor, the trainee will be involved in various aspects of financial management within the Agency and will contribute to/be responsible for the following activities:

• support the finance team in creating budget plans, monitoring and forecasts;
• assist with documentation and reporting;
• help with the processing of invoices and payments;
• support the finance team in maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records;
• help with the preparation of presentations and reports for various stakeholders;
• participate in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures;
• support the finance team in ad hoc projects and tasks, as needed;
• take on additional tasks as required in the interest of the service.

A typical day at work could involve the following activities:

• recording financial transactions and ensuring they are properly documented;
• assisting in the preparation of financial reports;
• supporting the maintenance of proper financial records and supporting documents;
• conducting financial analysis and providing recommendations based on findings;
• supporting budget planning, financial analysis and forecasting activities;
• supporting the preparation for audits and reviews of financial records and processes;
• assisting in the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures and process improvements;
• collaborating with other teams within the Agency to ensure compliance with financial regulations and guidelines;
• participating in meetings to gain knowledge and skills in various areas of Finance.

Overall, the trainee can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks related to financial management, reporting, and analysis.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Project outputs & learning outcomes:

The trainee will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to gain hands-on experience in financial management within a complex and dynamic organization, as well as exposure to EU financial regulations and procedures.

More specifically, the trainee will be involved in/contribute to:

• development of financial models, reports, and analysis to support decision-making;
• preparation of budget proposals and budget execution reports;
• development and implementation of financial policies, procedures and controls;
• assistance in the management of procurement processes for financial services;
• participation in audits and internal control activities.

The trainee will become familiar with and will acquire practical experience in:

• EU financial regulations and procedures;
• budgeting and financial management in an EU Agency;
• financial analysis, forecasting and reporting;
• financial software and systems;
• skills in project management and communication.

Technical/Soft skills to be acquired:

From this experience the trainee will gain:

• knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices in an EU public sector environment;
• familiarity with financial management software and tools;
• ability to create financial reports and analyses;
• knowledge of EU financial regulations and compliance requirements;
• ability to perform financial forecasting and budgeting;
• understanding of financial risk management strategies;
• effective communication skills for interacting with colleagues, stakeholders and external partners;
• teamwork and collaboration skills;
• analytical and critical thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making;
• adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities and deadlines;
• time management and organizational skills for managing multiple tasks;
• attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered eligible to take part in this selection procedure, on the closing date for the submission of applications candidates must satisfy all the eligibility criteria as specified below:

• be a national of a Member State participating in the Agency;
• be entitled to their full rights as citizens;
• produce the appropriate character references as to their suitability for the performance of their duties (extract from the “judicial record” or certificate of good conduct will be requested prior to recruitment);
• be physically fit to perform their duties;
• have a thorough knowledge (minimum level C1 oral and written) of one of the languages of the participating Member States and a satisfactory knowledge (minimum level B2 oral and written) of another of these languages to the extent necessary to discharge their duties;
• have no personal interest (financial, family relationship, or other) which could be in conflict with disinterested discharge of their duties within the Agency;
• hold, or be in a position to obtain, a valid Personnel Security Clearance Certificate (national or EU PSC at SECRET UE/EU SECRET level);
• have completed at least the first (minimum three-year) cycle of a higher education course (university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications;
• have not previously undertaken for more than six weeks a paid or unpaid traineeship or any kind of employment in another EU institution, Agency, or body.

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