Finance officer, P3

Introduction

The position is located in the Resources and Services Unit (RES) of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The ISSA, established in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), is the leading global organization for social security institutions, and related government departments.  The ISSA counts over 330 member organizations from 162 countries. As a voluntary membership-based organization, the ISSA provides relevant knowledge-based services to effectively support its members to work towards excellence in social security administration. In order to respond appropriately to the diverse needs and priorities of its global membership, the ISSA implements a triennial programme of technical and regional activities. 

Under the direction of the Head of RES, the incumbent is responsible for the coordination of ISSA’s finance, procurement and investment related activities. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for the maintenance of ISSA quality management system and internal controls. 

The incumbent reports directly to the Head of RES.

Description of Duties

1. Monitor and update the internal control and management systems (ISO 9001 certified). Ensure compliance with established rules, regulations, and directives. Participate in the ISO 9001 annual reviews and triennial re-certification processes. Contribute to internal audits, draft reports, and recommendations, and oversee corrective actions for audit findings.
2. Contribute to the application of Swiss, European, and international regulations on data protection (RGPD) and other Swiss legal aspects. Manage and maintain RGPD documentation and related records in line with legal requirements.
3. Ensure that the ISSA ERP meets financial and accounting requirements, manage new integrations and maintain and update system and process documentation. Implement workflows to enhance financial and budgetary controls, inventory of assets, ensuring data integrity, and robust security protocols. Coordinate the creation of interactive dashboards, ad-hoc reports and KPI.
4. Maintain the financial procedures related to the assigned operations, draft circulars, manuals and training materials as necessary.
5. Analyse accounts and financial documents and initiate action to correct situations where anomalies occur. Control income and expenditure and prepare periodic analyses of the financial situation.  Verify monthly accounts and take corrective action, examine requests to incur obligations in light of availability of funds. Monitor and review selected financial transactions and documents (e.g., budget proposals, payment requests, payroll data etc.) prior to entry into the finance system; ensure implementation of procedures to control and monitor income and expenditure.
6. Ensure accuracy and consistency of financial data across ISSA databases, including but not limited to financial information such as MoStat and Branches.
7. Provide administrative support to bidding processes. Analyse and evaluate vendors and proposals, taking into consideration various factors affecting technical specifications of item, cost, price and contractual arrangements. Review purchase requisitions received to ensure that the description of goods, services and related purchase specifications are adequate to permit procurement by formally invited bids or by negotiation.
8. Administer and monitor extra-budgetary and external collaboration agreements, excluding the expert loan program including but not limited to review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
9. Monitor portfolio investments and short-term placements in line with the ISSA Investment Policy and approved credit limits. Track investment activities and manage maturities.
10. Prepare recurrent and ad hoc financial and budgetary reports and relevant explanations, as requested by the supervisor. Participate in the interim and end of the year closing processes. Follow-up on external audit recommendations and draft responses to audit inquiries and observations for consideration of supervisor.
11. May act as certifying officer and certify financial documents and transactions or escalate to supervisor as appropriate, providing explanations and suggesting remedial or alternative action
12. Provides training and guidance to the ISSA staff by keeping abreast of changes to applicable financial standards and best practices.
13. Contribute to other ISSA activities and projects by performing on duties as required by the Secretary General or the Head of the Unit.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master) in business administration, financial management, accounting or related fields. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A Chartered or Certified Accounting/Auditing Qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIA, Swiss Certified Public Accountant) is highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of five years of directly relevant experience in finance, auditing, and accounting, including at the international level. 

Languages

Excellent command of English or French (oral and written), and a working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of Spanish or German would be advantageous.

Competencies

Technical competencies and necessary qualifications 

• In depth knowledge of Swiss regulations including Swiss accounting and tax legislation.
• In-depth knowledge of financial administration and accounting.
• Familiarity with internal control systems and ISO certification processes.
• Experience with investment and treasury operations.
• Expertise in ERP systems and knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Behavioural Competences 

• Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, adapt to changing priorities, and perform under pressure.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Attention to detail and high-quality service standards.
• Effective communication and training capabilities.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour.