Background Information - Job-specific:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Budget and Finance Officer, the Finance Assistant provides a variety of specialized finance, accounting, and clerical functions related to project accounting and financial reporting. The Finance Assistant ensures high quality, accuracy and consistency of work and promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS financial rules and regulations.

The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the UNOPS operations, program and projects’ staff for resolving finance-related issues and information exchange.

Functional Responsibilities:

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of operational strategies
• Treasury functions
• Accounting, administrative and clerical support
• Financial Reporting
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Ensures implementation of operational strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up; implementation of the effective internal control framework;
Input to the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

Provides support to Treasury, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Review of payment requests for completeness prior to processing to ensure that documentation is complete and all information concerning the payment has been supplied; proper accounting codes used; certification of services rendered/goods delivered is written on the payment document and duly signed by authorized officials; payment to sub-contractors are in compliance with terms and conditions of agreement;
• Review and confirmation of appropriateness of operational transactions processed through the interpretation and determination of applicable policies, regulations, rules;
• Review and confirmation of validity of charges by verifying authorized amounts and ensuring availability of budget and funds;
• Frequent contact with the local bank to obtain day-to-day information on rates of exchange, interest rates, changes in procedures and bank regulations, etc.;
• Running the pay-cycle and preparation of bank transfer documents.

Provides accounting, administrative and clerical support to the Finance Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation of vouchers and review of supporting documents to ensure completeness, accuracy and correctness of accounts codes charges; entry of transactions in the computerized accounting and finance system;
• Monitoring of financial recorded expenditures and related contributions to ensure timely and accurate accounting information;
• Analysis of reports, investigation and adjustment as required;
• Communication with colleagues/clients on areas requiring verification, corrections, additional information, etc. to improve quality of output and/or account submission and increase knowledge base in the process;
• Monitoring of cash requirements and expenditures;
• Provision of finance system support (UNOPS ERP Financial System, PeopleSoft) to field offices and regional office staff for Project Accounting and Financial Reporting’
• Ensure the maintenance of a good filing and archiving system for the purpose of achieving quick reference and up-to-date financial records.

Ensures accurate financial reporting, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Implementation of reporting systems and reports to meet Funding source requirements.
• Reconciliation of expenditures recorded in oneUNOPS.
• Assistance to Project Managers with oneUNOPS reporting and analysis.
• Provision of ad-hoc financial reports as needed including for Year-End closure

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the training for the operations/ projects staff on Finance;
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Result:

The key results have an impact on the overall execution of the UNOPS financial services. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNOPS’ capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree (preferably in finance or accounting or business administration or related area) is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant working experience within the areas of finance and/or accounting and/or business administration or related field is required;
• Skills in petty cash management is required;
• Skills in finance management is an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency written and spoken English language is required;
• Knowledge of Arabic language desired.

Source:https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=17719#1