Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands, or ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany, or ESRIN, Frascati, Italy, or ESAC, Madrid, Spain, or ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom. Description 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 to ESA. The Agency spends a large proportion of its annual budget on placing contracts with the space industry. Ensuring a proper return for Member States and value for money is therefore important, and the audit activity is an essential part of this process. Reporting to the Head of the Industrial Audit Service Office, you will be responsible for carrying out general industrial cost analyses and auditing related activities in support of the ESA procurement process. Duties In direct contact with industry, you will perform the following: Audit, analysis and negotiation of industrial hourly labour rates and overheads, as well as 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 for programmes, including a detailed analysis and review of industrial contractual documents. Verification of the company’s cost accounting systems in order to ascertain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and ESA rules. In direct contact with ESA internal stakeholders and other support activities, you will perform the following: Participation in Tender Evaluation Boards and Cost Panels for the analysis of financial and cost-related matters, as well as support for ESA programme directorates in their direct negotiations with industry. Providing advice on financial matters e.g. currency exchange, price variation formulae, productivity, inflation, hourly rates, business case assessments, etc. Collaboration and coordination of cost and audit activities with other national and international organisations. Support in day-to-day audit activities, including preparing concise and accurate documentation (e.g. audit reports, policies, processes, etc.), analysis of data, collection of information, etc. Other audit tasks/projects as requested of the Office. When performing these duties, you, as Industrial Cost Auditor, will interface closely with senior industry representatives, ESA and industry project management teams, ESA contract officers, other finance and cost engineering functions at ESA, and auditors of other national audit authorities. Technical competencies Expertise in cost accounting methods for labour, facility and overhead rates Proficiency in financial and management accounting analysis Knowledge of auditing standards, processes and practices Experience with ERP, accounting software and financial data tools Ability to assess financial risks and evaluate internal controls Understanding of GAAP, IFRS and relevant financial regulations Behavioural competencies Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking Education A master’s degree in business administration, corporate finance and accounting, auditing or economics is required for this post. Additional requirements a minimum of three years’ cumulative experience in auditing activities. strong analytical and problem-solving skills. effective negotiation and influencing abilities. the willingness and flexibility 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. J-18808-Ljbffr