The Finance and Accounting Associate processes financial transactions and provides technical support to the Field with the processing of financial transactions, and monitors compliance with applicable financial rules and regulations. The incumbent therefore keeps frequent contact with staff at various levels, including Country/Field Offices, Regional Bureaux and HQ divisions.
The Finance and Accounting Associate is normally supervised by a more senior colleague who defines work objectives and provides regular advice and guidance. The incumbent may also supervise less senior team member(s) if requested.
The duties of the Finance and Accounting Associate may have different focus depending on the specific area of responsibility, including the followings.
General Ledger (GL) coordinates the drafting of the annual account closing instructions, complies with annual financial statements, and coordinates audit for the areas under its responsibility.
Accounts Payable (AP) processes AP vouchers and central payments for UNHCR, provides related technical support to the Field and coordinates the accounts closure and audit for AP and Expenses and handles requests related to the appropriate segregation of duties through the Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP).
Accounts Receivable and Donor Reporting (ARDR) processes incoming deposits and provides related technical support to the Field, accounts for revenue adjustments, raises bills for miscellaneous income, and coordinates the accounts closure and audit for AR and Revenue, compiles financial reports to UNHCR¿s donors, which requires active liaison with colleagues from the Division of External Relations (DER) and the respective Field Offices.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties:
Process assigned transactions and maintain financial records accurately, completely and duly for accounts for which responsibility is assigned.
Provide technical support to Field Offices, Regional Bureaux and HQ divisions, and provide answers and guidelines to accounting and finance related matters.
Monitor compliance by users in different entities with the relevant financial rules, regulations and procedures. Bring issues related to non-compliance to the attention of supervisors, and actively pursue such cases.
Escalate to supervisors any indication of breach in the internal control system, including suspected fraud.
Prepare ad-hoc and recurring reports, analyses and reconciliations on assigned accounts/areas of responsibility. Verify that the financial transactions are correct and in accordance with UNHCR rules and procedures. Monitor and follow-up on open items, variances, errors and other issues identified.
Liaise with relevant counterparts to obtain information and verify data on accounts and financial transactions including more complex cases, as required.
Carry out month-end and year-end closing activities and propose additional instructions for such activities..
Gather information and documentation requested by auditors and propose responses to audit queries.
Identify possibilities for improving processes and recommend ways to improve cooperation between key stakeholders at different geographic locations. Implement agreed improvements.
Actively participate in the testing related to the implementation of new systems and tools.
Contribute to the drafting and update standard operating procedures, guidance notes and training materials.
Guide, support and ¿ if requested ¿ formally supervise assigned team member(s).
Brief and assist new team members on requirements relating to accounts and finance.
Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Certificates and/or Licenses:
Accounting; Business Administration; Finance;
Relevant Job Experience: Essential:
Experience with ERP financial modules (PeopleSoft, Oracle or SAP).
Functional Skills:
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
IT-Computer Literacy
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
Language Requirements:
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
