UNICEF is implementing the expansion of the cooperation programme agreed with the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to better contribute to address national priorities and emerging needs faced by the most vulnerable children. This expansion of the programme is being implemented through technical cooperation, capacity building, supply delivery, and communication and advocacy strategies aiming to strengthen national capacity in the areas of Nutrition, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Protection and Education.
The Finance Officer reports to Finance/Budget Manager for close guidance, training, and supervision. The Finance Officer provides support to the supervisor and colleagues in the office by administering and executing a variety of technical and professional transactions/initiatives in financial management and services, applying theoretical skills and acquiring thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and organizational goals and objectives, Financial Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures through the performance of tasks.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
Support to financial planning and management:
Provide operational and technical assistance in the financial planning process for CPMP by preparing/analyzing financial data/estimates and documentations verifying relevancy, accuracy and completeness to support budget planning. Provide financial operations support throughout the financial planning and implementation process.
Assess budget expenditures to verify compliance to allotment, codes, guidelines and procedures. Prepare regular analysis, modification and reports on the budget situation for higher management oversight and action.
Provide technical support to the programme counterparts/committees, e.g. review budgets and financial plans of implementing partners; monitor compliance with HACT framework, including support to assessments, assurance and capacity development of implementing partners.
Prepare financial exception reports, highlight unusual activities and transactions, investigate anomalies and keep supervisor informed for timely action.
Review financial and reputational risks in the transactions carried out by the office and raise flags when action is needed by management.
Where applicable, advise and support PSFR activities on budget preparation, strategic income projection/ reporting, setting and monitoring performance indicators, revenue and expense reporting, and provide technical advice during strategic planning exercises.
Control of accounts:
Process the submission of payments (e.g. MIP, travel claims, pension fund, advances to governments etc), journal entries and other financial transactions within scope on a timely basis to the Global Shared Services Center (GSSC), and ensuring compliance with budgetary limits, IPSAS and organizational regulations, rules, policies, procedures, standards of accountability, and ethics. Take timely action on outstanding accounts to resolve pending issues. This includes dialogue and follow up with the GSSC to facilitate timely processing of financial transactions submitted to the center.
Process (as per delegated authority) the disbursement of payments when done locally via bank letters, checks, or petty cash.
Process cash receipts and reconcile income contributions to ensure their timely deposit and recording in UNICEF systems
Monitor, assess and analyze financial transactions, accounting reports and reconciliation of accounts and prepare accurate and current financial information for applicable compliance (e.g. IPSAS, donor reporting, internal policies) and management oversight, planning and/or action.
Contribute to mandated management/statutory office financial and accounting reports to UNICEF Board/Bodies/Donors, verifying the reliability of data and compliance with organizational guidelines.
Collaborate with oversight bodies (e.g. UNBOA, OIAI, Evaluation Office, JIU, donors, etc.) to provide answers to requests; and engage with the appropriate colleagues to resolve financial observations and recommendations raised in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Complete applicable accounts closure activities (monthly, quarterly and yearly) on a timely basis and per closure instructions.
Review DCT transactions (transfer, adjustments, reprogramming and liquidation) supporting documents to ensure FACE form has been properly entered into the system and the expenditure is broadly reasonable and in accordance with policy.
Treasury and cash management:
Support the control, operations and management of prepaid and credit cards, bank, petty and cash on hand accounts in accordance with UNICEF/UN financial regulations and rules and local banking practices. Keep abreast of procedures and regulations regarding maintenance of bank accounts and exchange and interests rates. Keep supervisor and relevant colleagues informed for timely action.
Maintain contact with local bank management on routine operational matters.
Maintain a system to monitor and forecast periodic cash requirements. Provide current information on cash position/forecast to management and make recommendations to ensure sufficient availability of resources for programmes and operations activities.
Monitor submission of monthly bank statements to the GSSC for reconciliation and take necessary corrective action on findings identified by the center.
Knowledge and capacity building:
Promote culture of highest ethical standards and behavior in management of UNICEF’s resources.
Support initiatives for management improvement by capturing, institutionalizing and sharing best practices and lessons learned. Recommend improvements in processes and procedures to enhance productivity and performance including implementation of cost saving strategies.
Participate and/or organize training and learning events to build capacity of staff and stakeholders/partners.
Support operations of the office as required.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
A university degree in accounting, business administration, financial management or another related financial field is required. Supplemental formal financial / accounting training may be accepted if university degree is not in a related financial field. Diploma qualification in CIPFA is acceptable in lieu of relevant university degree, or its equivalent.
An advance degree in Business Administration, Finance or related is an asset.
Experience:
A minimum one (1) year of professional experience in accounting, administrative or financial management is required.
Experience in an international organization and/or large corporation is an asset.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel required.
Experience in database packages, web based management systems and ERP systems (preferably SAP financial modules) is an asset.
Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in Spanish and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.
