Business Controller

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a super-computing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation, and we are building it from the ground up.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Business Controller to join our Finance and Business Control (F&BC) Division at ESS. You will report directly to the Head of Division F&BC and collaborate closely with fellow Business Controllers, the Finance Group, and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Your insight, analyses and recommendations will help shape strategic decisions and ensure the organisation understands the financial impact of its business decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Calculating, tracking, and following up on ESS Member State contributions and indexing, maintaining strong rapport with Member States regarding contributions.
• Developing and maintaining the database for Member State contributions and the Member Contribution Sheets.
• Managing currency-related processes, transactions, and reports.
• Supporting the production, development, and maintenance of the ESS Medium-Term Financial Estimates (MTFE).
• Supporting the annual reconciliation between statutory accounts and budgetary out-turn.
• Supporting the calibration of hourly rates.
• Preparing financial data and reports for meetings of the ESS Admin and Finance Committee and ESS Council.
• Contribute to data quality initiatives and implementation of financial systems.
• Supporting compliance with the ERIC and accounting standards.

This role is ideal for a finance professional with experience in stakeholder management, financial analysis, and process improvement, eager to contribute to an organization focused on both operations and project, always with financial excellence in mind.

About you:

• You hold a master's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field.
• 4+ years of proven experience in controlling.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel, including proven experience with pivot tables, and experience in setting up and maintaining large databases.
• Ideally, you have prior experience in working with a data warehouse, Unit4 Agresso, and Mercur.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team and establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prior experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• You are fluent in both spoken and written English; knowledge of Swedish is a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate the organisational business model into a financial model.
• Excellent communication skills to present financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• You love working in a team

Duration and location:

This is a full-time, permanent position with a six-month probationary period. The position is located in Lund, Sweden.

What can we offer?

Aside from the chance to work at truly unique big science project, you can also expect:

• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.
• Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.
• 30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
• Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.

If you are passionate about finance, structured and detail-oriented, we encourage you to apply

We will review applications continuously so submit your application as soon as you can . Please be aware that we can only accept applications in English submitted via the ESS website.

Certain roles require additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link: Careers | ESS

For information related to the recruitment process feel free to reach out to Sara Tenggren – HR Generalist at For further information regarding the position, please contact the Hiring manager, Florian Weissbach at

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias at or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at

We look forward to receiving your application

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