Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Industrial Cost Auditor in the Industrial Audit Services Office, Industrial Policy and Auditing Department, Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness.
The industrial cost audit function is of vital importance for ESA. The Agency dispenses a large proportion of its annual budget in placing contracts with the space industry, and thus it is important to ensure a proper return for its Member States in terms of value for money. The audit activity is an essential part of this process.
Reporting to the Head of the Industrial Audit Services Office, you will be responsible for general industrial cost analysis and auditing-related activities in support of the ESA procurement process.
In direct contact with industry:
- Audit, analysis and negotiation of industrial hourly labour rates and overheads, unit rates (such as facility charges) and other overheads on the basis of detailed reviews carried out on the company’s cost structure;
- Audit of direct expenditure on contracts, including compliance with ESA rules;
- Financial viability audits on the basis of detailed reviews carried out on the company’s financial data;
- Nationality audits on the basis of established processes and criteria for nationality attribution;
- Audits in support of the verification of geo-return data;
- Audits carried out in direct support to programmes, including a detailed analysis and review of industrial contractual documents;
- Verification of company cost accounting systems in order to ascertain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and with ESA rules.
In direct contact with ESA internal stakeholders and other support activities:
- Participation in Tender Evaluation Boards and cost panels for the analysis of financial and cost-related matters, as well as support to ESA programme directorates in direct negotiations with industry;
- Provision of advice on financial matters, such as currency exchange, price variation formulas, productivity, inflation, hourly rates and business case assessments;
- Collaboration and coordination of cost and audit activities with other national and international organisations.
- Supporting the day-to-day audit activities, including preparing concise and accurate documentation, such as audit reports, policies and processes, analysis of data and collection of information;
- Other audit tasks/projects as requested of the Office.
In the execution of these duties, you will interface closely with senior industry representatives, ESA and industry project management teams, ESA contracts officers, other ESA finance and cost engineering functions and auditors from national audit authorities.
Expertise in cost accounting: comprehensive understanding of cost accounting principles, including methodologies for calculating labour, facility, and overhead rates
Financial and management accounting: proficiency in interpreting and analysing financial statements, management reports and complex cost structures
Auditing techniques: in-depth knowledge of audit standards, processes and best practices, with experience in applying auditing methodologies to industrial environments
Familiarity with accounting systems and tools: hands-on experience with ERP and accounting software, as well as data analysis tools used in financial evaluations and audits
Understanding of international and national standards: awareness of relevant financial regulations and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP or IFRS)
Risk assessment and internal controls: capacity to identify, assess and mitigate financial risks, including the evaluation of internal control systems and compliance checks
Communication and advisory skills: aptitude for conveying complex financial data to non-experts, supporting negotiations, and providing sound advice on financial and cost matters
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
A master's degree in the domain of business administration, corporate finance and accounting, auditing or economics is required for this post.
- A minimum of three years’ cumulative experience in auditing activities
- Analytical skills
- Negotiation skills
- Readiness to travel frequently
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore 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
[email protected].
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, 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.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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.
Note that 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
Please note that 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 and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.
