Trainees at the EUI Professional Services

The European University Institute (EUI) seeks candidates for future traineeship positions in support of the work of the Accounting Service, the Budget and Financial Affairs Service, and the Internal Audit Office.

The EUI at a glance:

The European University Institute (EUI), founded in 1972 and located in Florence, Italy, is a treaty-based post-graduate institution dedicated to advanced research and training with a unique European focus. The three pillars of its activities are the training of early-stage researchers through excellent research, policy-relevant research, and the training of current and future policymakers. Committed to global engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, and improved accountability, the EUI fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that connects scholars and policymakers worldwide.

Type and duration:

• 12 months;
• Full-time (Monday to Friday; 8 hours/day);
• Be nationals of the Member States of the European Union and of candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy. However, a limited number of nationals of non-member States may be accepted based on a specific agreement of the Secretary General and according to available resources. Under exceptional circumstances, specific traineeships can be made available solely to nationals of specific States, including EU and non-EU States; In accordance with President’s Decision no. 4/2025, Ukrainian nationals are also eligible to apply;
• Have a good knowledge of one of the EUI's official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another language, taking into account the main working languages at the Institute (EN, FR, IT)

AND

• Have completed the first cycle of university studies and obtained a full degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications. The minimum qualifications required by the legislation in the country where the diploma was obtained are available here.
• Have obtained their last university diploma no longer than three years before the deadline for applications. The three-year rule does not apply to trainees enrolled in further university studies at the moment of their application for the traineeship at the EUI.

Description of tasks:

A) Accounting Trainee:

The Accounting Service (ACC) manages the EUI’s accounts in accordance with applicable financial principles, rules and procedures, and ensures the treasury management function through the proper implementation of payments and revenues. Main tasks include:

• Daily insertion of third-party master data, invoices and other data in the Institute’s Accounting system (SAP);
• General office duties and support for the Accounting Service’s activities;
• Specific tasks related to financial reporting, in particular the preparation of the EUI’s Annual Accounts (prepared under the European Union Accounting Framework, based on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards – IPSAS);
• Ad hoc projects in the Accounting area.

B) Finance Trainee:

The Budget and Financial Affairs Service (BFA) supports all administrative and academic units in budget implementation, ensuring sound financial management and compliance with financial and administrative regulations. Main tasks include:

• Assisting with daily financial operations, including budget control, processing incoming invoices and credit notes, managing G/L balances, and handling various cost claims using the SAP accounting system;
• Checking and processing travel orders and reimbursement requests through an in-house online platform;
• Preparing expense calculations and ensuring accuracy in financial records.
• Drafting contracts for external collaborators, researchers’ small jobs, and other engagements;
• Supporting the preparation and processing of financial documentation for audits and assisting with general administrative tasks;
• Learning and applying the financial and administrative rules and procedures governing an international intergovernmental organisation, including those relevant to various grants and EU-funded projects;
• Contribute to special projects, particularly in digitalisation, automation of financial processes, and process mapping, depending on the needs of the Service and your individual profile

C) Internal Audit Trainee:

The Internal Audit Office (IAO) supports the EUI in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. Main tasks include:

• Assisting with daily auditing operations, sampling transactions, statistically processing data, editing draft reports, keeping follow-up records, and retrieving data from SAP and other ICT systems;
• Checking and processing data via the IDEA auditing tool;
• Preparing calculations and ensuring accuracy in financial records;
• Drafting communication messages, maintaining documentation, and recording activities, interview minutes, reviewing information regarding audit engagements;
• Supporting the preparation and processing of data related to the evaluation of internal risk and control management exercises;
• Contributing to the organisation of assurance, quality and advisory projects, reviews for the certification of externally funded projects, particularly in digitalisation, automation of processes and process mapping, depending on the needs of the Office and individual competence available.

Other benefits:

• Maintenance grant of € 1,540 per month;
• Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred at the beginning and end of the traineeship (for trainees recruited outside of Florence);
• 40% discount on one lunch per day at the EUI canteen;
• Access to EUI facilities: Library, Reading Rooms, Centre for Academic Literacies and Languages;
• Participation in professional training, public seminars, workshops and extracurricular activities, including wellbeing initiatives;
• Opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practical work environment, particularly in relevant areas of expertise;
• Experience in an international institution and research university, becoming part of a vibrant and dynamic multicultural community;
• Development of creativity and innovation skills;
• Improvement of organisational and time management skills;
• Enhancement of language skills, interpersonal communication, and intercultural teamwork abilities.

For further information about the post, please read the Vacancy Notice

Applications must be submitted electronically via the online application form.

The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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