The post ensures accuracy and integrity of, and timely financial reporting and recording of, all private sector contributions and monitoring & collection of all funds due to UNICEF. Undertakes full accountability for recording PFP Division's revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities and preparation of the financial statements. for the UNICEF Executive Board. Develops appropriate, effective, and efficient processes and internal procedures for all accounting practices related to the PFP Division. Provides technical advice, guidance, and training to National Committees, UNICEF Country Offices and other partners in accounting for private sector activities and reporting, inventory management, developing effective processes and internal control mechanisms. In addition, responsible for monitoring certain provisions of the Cooperation Agreements with National Committees to ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements.
Summary of key functions and accountabilities:
Leadership:
Responsible for leading the Financial Services Unit (FSU) team of Professional and General Service staff in performing the financial services and accounting function of PFP Division, covering·:
Accounting for revenue recognition and expense accounting
Revision, clarification, and classification of donor agreements
Grant management and oversite on donor reporting
Bank opening endorsement, payments processing and set up of digital payment gateways
Planning, knowledge management; and risk management for the Financial Services Unit
Representing Finance in Wider Management Team strategic direction discussions
Guiding PFP stakeholders on financial implications for the new initiatives.
Oversight on National Committees financial reporting:
Responsible for monitoring and securing National Committees' compliance to the financial reporting requirements that includes:
Annual financial reporting and audited financial statement
Related entities Remittance forecast
Cash remittance forecast and transfers
Investments and reserves
Monitoring compliance with investment and reserves policies.
Contribute to the reviewing of National Committees' Joint Strategic Plans and providing feedback to Chief of Finance & National Committee Relations Teams.
Contribute to the periodic monitoring of governance by providing inputs to the Governance Team.
Training & Guidance to National Committees, country offices and other partners:
Provides technical advice, guidance and training to National Committees, UNICEF country offices and other partners in accounting for private sector activities and reporting, developing effective processes and internal control mechanisms and conducting risk analyses.
Drafting of accounting policies, SOPs and instructions and co-ordination of activities related to year-end closure in the financial, grant management and controlling modules in SAP VISION.
Responsible for reviewing accounting procedures; making recommendations for changes and undertaking implementation thereof, in line with changing organizational needs and industry standards.
Lead/co-lead/actively participate in relevant working groups.
Contribution Management:
Supervising the application of contributions received and raised to the implementing country offices, grant management and oversite on donor reporting.
Supervising the analyzing and processing of Revenue and Expenditure Reports (RER) received from National Committees, UNICEF country offices and other partners.
Responsible for timely monitoring, forecasting, and collection of all funds due to UNICEF, including quarterly reporting of outstanding balances to senior management within the Division.
Responsible for the oversight of the reconciliation of National Committees audited annual financial statements (AFS) to the National Committees RER.
Responsible for the reviewing and analyzing of National Committees audited AFS and following up with National Committees on issues identified from the review and analysis process.
Support to audit processes:
Responsible for assisting in internal/external audit coordination and responding to audit queries and recommendations.
Repressible for monitoring and following up of audit recommendations requiring input from National Committees.
PFP Financial Reporting and Innovation:
Responsible for preparing the PFP financial report presented to the UNICEF Board.
Responsible for preparing other financial reports and analysis.
Designing the procedures and guidance for new investment modalities in fundraising activities including system enhancements.
Advise on private sector engagement in the trust funds, revolving fund for fundraising investments, and catalytic funding for progamme implementation.
Backup cover:
Provide back-up to the Chief of Finance as required and ensure that efficient backup procedures exist in the unit. Perform such tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
An advanced university degree in Business Administration, Financial Management, or another relevant technical field is required.
An accounting designation such as CIPFA, ACCA, or CA with relevant operations experience is required for this post and will be considered in lieu of an Advanced University degree.
Training in SAP controlling and profitability analysis modules is an asset.
Experience:
A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience in the fields of accounting and finance in an industrial/commercial or equivalent environment at the international level, with at least 5 years in a supervisory capacity is required.
Advanced knowledge of and experience with a computerized accounting environment is required.
Knowledge of SAP or similar financial accounting package will be an asset.
Knowledge of IPSAS and IFRS is an advantage
Experience with preparing financial statements and reports is an asset.
Experience in a UN organization is an asset.
Language Requirements:
Proficiency in English is required.
Working knowledge of other UN languages would be an asset.
