Traineeship - Finance and Control

Deadline for application: 10 April 2026. We are looking for a trainee to support the day-to-day operations of our Finance and Control division, including accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting. You will also participate in accounting-related projects. 

Through this traineeship, you will have the opportunity to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the day-to-day work of different business areas. The work environment is multicultural and multilingual, with English as the working language. In this context, you will interact with internal and external stakeholders, and you will experience the associated duties, opportunities, and challenges. 

 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Participate in accounting, period closing, and financial reporting production: 

• Perform accounting controls and reconciliations. 

• Maintain periodic (monthly and quarterly) closing checklists 

• Perform bank account reconciliation and documentation. 

• Follow up on accounting production issues as needed. 

• Provide input for the preparation of periodic financial reporting. 

• Participate in internal projects: 

• Follow up on and contribute to records management procedures. 

• Update of the accounting manual and procedures as needed. 

• Participate in the budge reporting process: 

• Update reporting templates using SmartView, ensure accuracy and completeness of data. 

• Update of monthly budget tracking file and preparation of budget templates for reporting. 

• Verify consistency of invoices related to our building project. 

 

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE 

• Candidate (or recent graduate within one year of graduation) studying for a university degree in accounting, finance, or other relevant areas 

• Interest in the field of accounting and related internal controls in the financial sector 

• Relevant prior experience is an asset 

• Fluency in English, both oral and written required, additional languages are an asset 

• Proficient in Excel 

• Academic knowledge of different accounting frameworks is an asset 

 

KEY COMPETENCIES 

• Proactive attitude and self-organised 

• Good analytical skills 

• Communication and interpersonal skills 

• Teamwork and collaboration 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION 

• Deadline for application: 10 April 2026 

• Expected start date: as soon as possible 

• Expected duration: six months, renewable once for up to another six months 

• Competitive allowance granted. 

 

The ESM aims to provide equal opportunity to all candidates irrespective of their gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage women to apply. 

The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is the permanent crisis resolution mechanism for euro area countries. It provides financial assistance to Members facing financing difficulties. To date, the ESM and its predecessor organisation, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), have launched six financial assistance programmes to five countries, provided financial support, monitored repayment capacity, and engaged with partner institutions for programme design in areas of financial interest.

The ESM is a unique place to work with around 230 individuals committed to making a difference to the future of the euro area. It recruits talented professionals of any nationality from both the private and public sectors. The ESM’s senior management is committed to preserving and enhancing a diverse, inclusive recruitment and work environment.