Finance Associate

Under the BSSC Finance Manager’s guidance and the Finance Senior Officer’s supervision, the Finance Associate performs the Payment verification and approval and promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations. The incumbent will closely work and collaborate with Programme, Project and Support Services colleagues in the local office as well as with the UNOPS HQ colleagues to exchange information and ensure accurate and consistent service delivery.

 Functional Responsibilities:

• Summary of Key Functions:
• Implementation of operational strategies and procedures
• Accounting, payment verification and approval support
• Financial reporting and controls
• Monitoring and progress control
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

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

• Ensures full compliance of operations with UNOPS’ rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
• Assists with input to the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from an operational perspective, in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.
• Works closely with FG and policy owners to support the development and drafting of guidelines, training and communication materials.
• Works closely with the Finance Manager and clients/users to ensure efficient implementation of the processes.
• Ensures the delivery of the required services as per the agreed deadlines and initiates corrective actions where necessary.

Assist with payment verification and approval, focusing on achievement of the following results: 

• Ensure that all payments are in compliance with UNOPS financial rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
• Review and verify Request for Payments (RFP) for accuracy and correctness of payment amount, payment currency, account code and GLA (general ledger of account) to be disbursed and charged.
• The complete set of supporting documents are provided and uploaded in RFP in OneUNOPS properly and available for auditing at any time.
• The selection of supplier’s profile (pay recipient) is valid and correctness of invoice indicated and entitled to currency of payment (RFP).
• The invoice date and payment date of RFP (term of payment) are accurately applied in the correct accounting period.
• Able to manage and obtain the requirement information or documentations from the payment initiators and portfolio managers (PM).
• Assist to respond and coordinate with PM and IPAS-Finance when the funds override request is required.

Supports effective financial reporting and control, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Supports the preparation of monthly expenditure schedules and quarterly and year-end statements.
• Contacts project colleagues and Regional Offices to verify, correct, add and improve quality of financial activities of a particular project, including financial reports.
• Frequent contact with other finance staff in the organization in the preparation of payments, data reconciliation, client reporting, or audit activities.
• Prepares financial statements for clients.

Ensures monitoring and progress control focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Establishes a solid working relationship between the team and its key stakeholders.
• Manages communications and ensures that stakeholders are aware of the remittance and accounts receivables team’s activities, deadlines for request submission and updates on policies and procedures.

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

• Organizes, facilitates and delivers training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance-related topics.
• Provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and disseminating best practices in human resources.
• Contributes feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices, utilizing them productively.
• As a Key Business User, provides financial management support in the Enterprise system’s financial management module to internal clients.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable, and may substitute some of the required years of work experience.
• Specialized training in finance or accounting is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in accounting and finance is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (G Suite), knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, and experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required.
• Knowledge of the second UN working language is desirable.

Source:  https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=27889#1