Accounts Payable Service Manager (ESA/ESTEC)

Octagon Professionals is seeking a Service Manager to lead 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/ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, and will oversee 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 on invoices and Advance Payments.
• Posting of Invoices in ESA-P. After prior validation by an ESA Staff member.
• Posting of Advance Payment Requests in ESA-P after prior validation by an ESA Staff member of the team.
• Controlling and clearing of Advance Payment Requests as per Offset Plan.
• Responding to Invoice queries from Industry on Invoices perceived due.
• Lists of Invoices and Advances issued by the business and transferred to the Service for the agreed actions as per the above.
• Upon request, ad hoc tasks and reports in the area of accounts payable.
• Supporting the verification of contract/and CCNs to ensure compliance with the financial requirements to be validated and approved by an ESA staff.
• Supporting to monthly and yearly closure of ESA Accounts Payable, ensuring accounts reconciliation, providing specific notes relating to ESA Financial Statements.

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
• 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.

Privacy Notice: To apply for this vacancy you must submit your personal information to Octagon Professionals. Octagon Professionals will collect, use and process your personal information as mentioned in our Privacy Policy. Our policy and processing of your personal information is compliant with the GDPR.