Assistant Accountant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Assistant Accountant
Location: The Hague
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 14 February 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization founded in 198

• It is dedicated to turning big ideas into action at the intersection of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI operates in over 60 countries and has a global staff of more than 1,800 people. The organization addresses seven critical challenges that must be overcome to secure a sustainable future: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI collaborates with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground, while also bringing together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for lasting impact. WRI's mission is to encourage human society to live in ways that protect the Earth's environment and its capacity to meet the needs of current and future generations. The organization values integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect, and is committed to advancing gender and social equity in its mission, ensuring equal opportunities in employment for all qualified applicants.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Accountant position at WRI Europe is a hybrid role that requires working in the office for 8 days per month. This position is part of a growing team in the WRI Europe office located in The Hague. The role is designed to support the financial operations of WRI Europe, ensuring smooth financial activities. The Assistant Accountant will assist with various financial tasks, including monthly reconciliations, expense processing, payroll support, and financial reporting. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in non-profit accounting and financial compliance while working within an international organization. The Assistant Accountant will report directly to the Regional Manager of Accounting and Finance, collaborating closely with the Accounting Manager and the wider Europe Operations team. The role emphasizes the integration of equity into financial practices, reflecting WRI's commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Accountant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting in the preparation of monthly reconciliations for balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Supporting the processing and review of staff expense reports, ensuring they adhere to WRI policies and guidelines.
• Assisting with payroll review to ensure timely and accurate compensation for employees.
• Helping with project accounting tasks, which includes setting up project codes and tracking financial transactions related to specific projects.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure compliance with European statutory financial regulations and standards.
• Supporting the preparation of financial reports for internal stakeholders, providing insights and data as needed.
• Contributing to the year-end financial reporting and audit process, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate for review.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Assistant Accountant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree, demonstrating practical knowledge in the field.
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant, full-time experience in accounting or finance, which can include full-time internships.
• A demonstrated understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, is essential for managing financial data and reports.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment is crucial for success in this role.
• Experience with ERP systems, such as Costpoint or Workday, is desirable but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of The Netherlands accounting regulations is also considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Assistant Accountant position includes a completed bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Candidates who have relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of financial operations and compliance within a non-profit organization.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 1 year of relevant, full-time experience in accounting or finance. This experience can include full-time internships, which will be counted as part of the required experience. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting, showcasing their ability to handle financial tasks effectively.

Languages:
Verbal and written proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. While not required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a hybrid position that requires 8 days per month in the office, with the remainder of the work being flexible. The contract duration is for 6 months, with a commitment of 32 hours per week. The potential salary for this role ranges from €42,000 to €53,000 based on a 40-hour work week, with the actual salary being adjusted for the 32-hour work week and commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers access to a global network, opportunities for career development, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and generous leave days that increase with tenure. Applications must be submitted through the WRI Careers portal by the deadline of 14 February 2025, although the position may close earlier if a high volume of qualified applications is received.