ZOE Institute for Future-Fit Economies is an independent think & do tank active at the EU level and in Germany. At the interface of politics, research, and civil society, we are dedicated to policy-oriented research for a future-fit economy that enables people to live well within planetary boundaries.
We are a small team that values an appreciative atmosphere and good communication. We offer:
– A collaborative, motivating working environment in a small think & do tank that has made it to the top of EU politics in a short space of time
– A strategic, agile, value and purpose-oriented working style
– Flexibility of working time and place, supporting a healthy work-life balance
– Ways of working to build our organisation together and align individual and organisational purpose
– Co-working spaces in Berlin, Cologne and Brussels
## Key Responsibilities
As part of our motivated and impact-driven team, you will:
– Lead on finances: including overseeing cost tracking, payroll, and accounting (with support from internal and external advisors). You will also be responsible for leading year-end closing and helping with organisational budgeting.
– Lead on project financial reporting.
– Lead the transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
– Maintain and set up Excel files.
– Support the team: Coordinate across teams, mentor colleagues, and help people grow.
The specific set of priority tasks and responsibilities will be decided together based on the list above and the selected candidate’s specific background and skills.
## Core Competences
We are looking for people that share our core principles: value orientation, sustainability, agility, self-organisation. Your profile would include the following skills, background, and knowledge:
### Core Experience:
– Background in finance, business management, accounting or equivalent experience
– 5+ years in finance/operations and in leading projects or teams
– Experience in non-profit organisations and financial project reporting
– Knowledge of German HGB (Handelsgesetzbuch) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)
– Experience with contracts, procurement, or tender processes, especially Horizon Europe, or knowledge of other EU funding programmes is an asset
### Core Skills & Competencies
– Strong leadership and team coordination skills
– Analytical, detail-oriented, and able to manage complexity
– Excellent Excel skills
– Proactive and solution-oriented with good organisational skills
– Clear in defining roles and structuring collaborative processes
– Fluent in English and proficiency in German
## Conditions
The position can start as soon as possible, but at the latest by 1st of August 2026. Applicants need to be based in Germany or Belgium. We have offices in Cologne, Berlin and Brussels, however we support a hybrid work environment. The gross wage for full time will be €4,100-€5,300 per month, depending on the competences and experience. A part-time role will also be considered; the salary would be pro-rated accordingly. The contract will be for one year initially; however, the position is intended to contribute to the long-term development of the organisation. For this reason, we aim for a longer-term fit.
## Application procedure
The application deadline is 23:59 on 7th June. Please send your CV (max 3 pages) and a motivation letter (400–500 words) to [email protected]. Please do not attach a photo to your application. Please state “Financial controller” in the subject line. Please include the contact details of a previous employer and, if available, a letter of recommendation. If we consider your application to be suitable, we will get back to you as soon as possible with dates for an online interview. In case of any questions please contact [email protected].
Thank you very much for your interest in ZOE Institute.
