Finance Associate Accounting and Payments Unit

The Accounting and Payments Unit (APU) is responsible for the execution and handling of requests for global accounting adjustments, knowledge leader in the Accounts Payable (AP) and supplier management business processes (including execution of AP for headquarters and liaison offices) and implementing the financial aspects of UNFPA’s Administrative Agent function. The APU is comprised of three staff positions and functions under the oversight of the Chief, Accounts.

You would be responsible for:

Partnerships, Knowledge management, Communication and Training:

• Actively participate in Finance Branch and team meetings
• Maintain active and positive relationships with key partners for APU, including HQ units and liaison offices (providing business continuity support) and field offices (for guidance on AP requirements).
• Provide financial training and facilitate knowledge transfers with the global community based on financial/operations procedures or guidance notes, which may be delivered remotely or in the field.
• Contribute to the global financial management community facilitated by the Finance Branch

Business continuity activities :

• Review payment requests from HQ and liaison offices, function, for compliance to UNFPA policy and prepare supplier invoices (payment vouchers) for approval; resolve invoice related issues.
• Work with UNDP Treasury to ensure payments are made as scheduled based on the invoice (voucher)
• Review payment requests as part of the global Administrative Agent function for compliance to UNFPA and UNSDG policy; prepare supplier invoices (payment vouchers) for approval.
• Review payroll adjustments requested by offices, prepare adjustment entries for approval.

Support and guidance to offices on financial management: 

• Respond to Global Service Desk cases assigned to the APU team, within the purview of the role.
• Provide guidance, support and instructions on the Accounts Payable process and Supplier set up and maintenance functions to colleagues in Headquarters and Country Offices.
• Reconcile Global Payroll with general ledger payroll accounts.
• Provide support globally to enable UNFPA offices to correct payroll and payroll related charges.
• Provide support in the reconciliation of staff-related receivables.

Accounting, period end and year end closure activities:

• Analyze and correct general ledger accounts concerning payables, perform ongoing data correction activities as part of the periodic and year end closure process.

Reporting and information management including Statutory and Donor Reporting:

• Review system generated reports for completeness, accuracy to underlying ERP records and any issues to be resolved prior to issuance.
• Prepare standard reports and datasets as part of the Administrative Agent function.

Business process and systems efficiency: 

• Analyse system generated reports to monitor for delayed payments or duplicate payments.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.
• Provide support to the Chief, Finance Branch on administrative and monitoring activities for the branch.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Completion of secondary education with experience in accounting.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• 6 years finance-related work experience – accounts payable, general ledger maintenance, etc. Experience in the application of IPSAS or IFRS would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in use of spreadsheets, word processing and computerized accounting systems (preferably Oracle Cloud computing).
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to organize effectively, work under pressure with attention to detail, precision, and accuracy.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable.

Source: https://www.unfpa.org/jobs/temporary-appointment-finance-associate-accounting-and-payments-unit-apu-finance-branch