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Octagon Professionals is seeking a Deputy Service Manager to support the management of the Payable Accountant Service at the European Space Agency (ESA). This vital service supports the Financial Operations Division in analysing, validating, and approving all Agency payments to suppliers, ensuring full compliance with ESA’s accounting policies and financial regulations.

The selected candidate will be based at ESA/ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, and together with the Service Manager based in ESA/ESTEC in the Netherlands will play a vital role in overseeing a team of 17 Account Payable Specialists spread across three key ESA establishments: ESTEC (Netherlands), ESOC (Germany), and ESRIN (Italy).

We are looking for an accomplished finance professional with a strong background in accounting, a degree in Financial Management or Accounting, and at least 5 years of proven managerial experience in an accounts payable setting.

This is more than a leadership role. This is a chance to contribute to one of Europe's most prestigious scientific institutions. You will be part of a high-performing, multicultural team operating in a dynamic, international environment with excellent opportunities for professional development, strategic impact, and long-term career growth within a mission-driven organisation at the forefront of space exploration.

Responsibilities:

• Formal checks if the document is to be considered as a valid invoice/Advance.
• Registration of Invoices/Advances in the ESA-p system.
• Verification of correctness of vendor master and bank data.
• Identification of correct account assignment of Invoices without prior commitment.
• Posting of Invoices, posting and pre-approval in the ESA-p system of Advance Payment Requests. Final approval of Invoice/Advance. Payment request is always performed by an ESA staff prior to Payment List execution.
• Controlling and clearing of Down Payments as per Offset-Plan.
• The payments ready to be processed are identified within a structured repository.
• Liaising with other colleagues within the Section for the purpose of invoices to be checked and forwarding invoices to be processed after first check.
• Proactively liaising with ESA initiating Services concerning invoices or requests of reimbursement.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in Accounts Payable, Finance Analysis or Contract Finance Management, preferably with exposure to public sector or regulated environments.
• A university degree in Finance, Accounting, or Public Sector Financial Management.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement, financial regulations, and IPSAS.
• Proficiency in handling contract validation, advance payments, and year-end reconciliation.
• Strong knowledge of SAP (in particular ECC, SRM modules) and audit/reporting requirements.
• 5 + years of managerial experience in an Accounts Payable environment.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure.
• High accountability and accuracy in financial reviews.
• An analytical mindset for reviewing procurement actions and contract compliance.
• Clear and professional communication with stakeholders and industry.

We offer:

• Attractive remuneration package.
• Up to 30 vacation days & additional 12 public holidays based on the 40h working week.
• Pension contribution to a tailor-made pension scheme.
• Yearly subscription to the ESTEC gym facilities and a swimming pool.

Ready for this new challenge? Apply now and let’s get in touch!

Octagon Professionals International is a full-service recruitment and HR services firm with 30 years of experience in the European and international market. Our large network of professionals across multiple functional areas, and a multi-national team provide flexible solutions customised to individual client needs.

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