The Finance Specialist reports to the Administration and Finance Specialist for general guidance and direction. The Specialist is responsible for providing support to the Administration and Finance Specialist in the management, monitoring and supervision of all financial services in relation to program activities and operations (i.e. financial planning , disbursements and payments, treasury and accounting, financial analysis and resource reporting), ensuring compliance of all financial activities with policies, procedures, guidelines, performance standards, ethics and integrity organisation.
As part of staff supervision, the finance specialist is responsible for planning and monitoring ongoing activities as well as verifying the tasks carried out by subordinate officials to ensure compliance with the Accounting Standards International Public Sector Standards (IPSAS) as well as compliance with UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, accountability and ethical standards.
How can you make a difference?
Support for financial planning and management
Prepare/analyze data, forecasts and financial documents, checking for relevance, accuracy and completeness to facilitate financial planning for the CPMP and regular management advice (including review of financial proposals in PCA). Provide technical and operational support throughout the financial planning and implementation process.
Analyze budget execution against allocations and codes and certify compliance with applicable guidelines and procedures. Inform stakeholders for quick action.
Provide technical and operational support on the application, interpretation and implementation of financial policies, procedures and guidelines to the Country Office representative, staff and stakeholders. Resolve day-to-day financial issues and/or recommend (and document) any deviations from procedures and guidelines to achieve objectives.
Assess the financial and integrity risks in the transactions carried out by the office and inform management when actions are necessary.
Prepare and/or follow up on exceptional financial reports to assess unusual activities and transactions, investigate anomalies and keep supervisor informed for prompt action.
Provide technical support to program colleagues/partners, e.g. reviewing budgets and financial plans of implementing partners; ensure compliance with HACT. Support assessments, assurance and capacity building of implementing partners.
Prepare work plans for supervisees, provide timely technical guidance, monitor ongoing activities and analyze completed tasks to approve transactions and/or certify/verify accuracy of work and compliance with IPSAS and UNICEF rules, policies, procedures and guidelines.
If necessary, advise and support PSFR activities in the preparation of the budget, projection and production of strategic results reports, Establish and monitor performance indicators, income and expenditure reports, and provide technical advice during strategic planning exercises.
Audit of accounts
Track and/or analyze (within delegated authority) the accuracy and timely submission of payments (e.g. payroll, MIP, travel expense claims, pension funds, advances to governments , etc.), journal entries and other financial transactions in collaboration with the Global Shared Services Center (GSSC), ensuring compliance with budgetary limits, IPSAS standards and the rules, policies and procedures of the Organization as well as accountability and ethical standards. Take timely action to resolve outstanding issues. This involves maintaining a dialogue and follow-up with the GSSC to facilitate the timely processing of financial transactions submitted to the center.
Process/supervise (within delegated authority) the disbursement of payments when made locally by bank drafts, checks or petty cash.
Process/supervise collections to ensure their timely filing and recording in UNICEF systems.
Control and analyze financial transactions, accounting reports and bank reconciliations to ensure the accuracy and updating of financial information in accordance with applicable texts (e.g. IPSAS, donor reports, internal policies) and the supervision, planning and/or management action.
Prepare or contribute to financial and accounting reports prepared for the UNICEF Executive Board and donors, verifying the reliability of data and adherence to corporate guidelines.
Collaborate with oversight bodies (e.g. UNBOA, OIA, Office of Evaluation, JIU, donors, etc.) to provide responses and follow up for resolution of financial observations and recommendations.
Ensure correct and timely completion of account closing activities (monthly, quarterly and annually)
Review supporting documentation for DCT transactions (transfers, adjustments, rescheduling and liquidation) to ensure that the FACE form has been correctly recorded in the system and that expenditures are overall reasonable and in accordance with policy.
Cash management
Manage bank, cash and petty cash transactions in accordance with UNICEF/UN Financial Rules, policies, procedures and prevailing local banking practices. Keep abreast of procedures and regulations regarding maintenance of bank accounts, interest and exchange rates. Keep supervisor and relevant co-workers informed for prompt action.
Maintain ongoing contact with local bank management for day-to-day operational matters, including exchange rate negotiation and rollovers.
Maintain a system for monitoring and forecasting periodic cash requirements. Provide management with up-to-date information on the cash position and forecast and make recommendations or take action to ensure the availability of sufficient resources for program and operations activities.
Analyze the monthly bank reconciliation and take the appropriate corrective measures to follow up on the observations issued by the GSSC.
Knowledge and capacity building
Promote a dominant culture of ethical standards and behaviors in the management of UNICEF resources.
Contribute to management improvement initiatives by collecting, establishing and sharing best practices and lessons learned. Implement and/or recommend management enhancements to improve productivity and performance, including the implementation of cost reduction strategies.
Participate and/or organize training and learning activities to build capacity of staff and stakeholders/partners.
Support office operations as required.
As an advocate for each child, you will need to have...
A higher level university degree (BAC + 5) in accounting, finance, business administration or equivalent, or any other comparable recognized professional qualification.
A valid professional certification (CA; CPA; etc.) from an internationally recognized and accredited CPA institution is required; or an advanced degree in CIPFA or its equivalent with other internationally recognized institutions as well as an advanced university degree.
A university degree (BAC + 3) in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in financial management or auditing in an international organization and/or a large company is required.
Experience gained within an agency or organization of the United Nations system, some of which are based in a developing country, is considered an asset.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel required.
Experience with database software packages, web-based management systems and ERP systems (preferably SAP financial modules) is considered an asset.
Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is considered an asset.
Fluency in French and English is essential. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language is an advantage.
