Head of the Cost Accounting Section

Reporting to the Head of the Accounting Division in the Finance, Planning and Controlling Department, Directorate of Resources and Services, you will be responsible for operating, implementing and monitoring the Agency's cost management process.

Key Responsibilities

• Be the custodian of and lead the evolution of the Agency's cost model, defining efficient cost allocation keys and methodologies for recharging secondary costs and SLAs.
• Liaise with Business Unit Controllers to ensure a consistent ESA-wide approach to the preparation of cost plans for each analysis centre.
• Calculate, validate and disseminate rates for direct staffing, services and facilities, including overhead absorption and assessment of nominal capacity.
• Ensure complete and accurate direct and indirect cost allocation, including cost variance analysis and agreed corresponding treatment.
• Maintain a robust internal control system, contribute to risk management, and lead the evolution of the cost accounting system, process and procedures.
• Maintain and ensure the robustness and completeness of the Agency's time accounting system (TAS).
• Contribute to the closure of the Agency's accounts from a cost accounting perspective by preparing periodic reports and notes to the Financial Statements.
• Produce Segment reports and ensure timely responses to all requests from auditors regarding cost accounting.
• Act as a focal point for all IT projects in the area of cost accounting, aiming to improve overall business performance in alignment with Agency and Directorate goals, including digitalisation, procedures, methods and IT requirements.
• Lead, manage and ensure the well-being of the team of cost analysts and cost accountants in the Section.
• Support ongoing ESA transformation activities with ad hoc impact analysis on recharge rates and provide recommendations to mitigate potential adverse effects on project costs.
• Support and leverage ESA's digitalisation efforts to further optimise and automate cost accounting reporting processes.
• Identify, assess, manage and report the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of general accounting practices and understanding of accounting procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of ESA business.
• Extensive knowledge of SAP environment, particularly its Cost Accounting module.
• Expertise in digitalised accounting systems.

Behavioural Competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A master's degree in accounting, economics or a financial discipline is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

• Strong problem-solving skills to cope with operational day-to-day challenges, as well as demonstrated planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to take on demanding tasks and new challenges in a rapidly evolving and changing environment.
• Potential to manage individuals or a team.
• Ability to organise activities and ensure a motivating work environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills.
• Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.
• People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience (i.e. outside your home country), as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace.

The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). If the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.