Finance Senior Associate

Under the direct supervision of the functional supervisor(s) and/or the Deputy Head of Finance who report to the Head of Finance or/and Head of Support Services, the Senior Finance Associate will provide financial and administrative support to the field operation, timely processing, recording and monitoring of reconciliation transactions in accordance with UNOPS’ financial rules, regulations, policies, and processes. This position is part-time, equivalent to 80% of a full-time workload. This translates to working 4 days per week. Entitlements such as benefits and leave are prorated based on this percentage of effort.

 Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Financial and Administrative support to the field operation
• Processing, recording and monitoring of reconciliation transactions
• Assist in development and implementation of effective standard operating procedures and internal control systems
• Day-to-day coordination within the team, other units and different stakeholders, including the counterpart
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Financial and Administrative support to the field operation:

Ensure the team is working in compliance with the financial and administrative guidelines, focusing on client-oriented approach with the achievement of the following results:

• Updated financial and administrative information are shared within the team
• Expenditure verified are in accordance with the respective SOP and donor guidelines
• Proper planning to disseminate approved work plan to the field team and advice on compliance issue under the guidance of functional supervisor
• Day-to-day coordination within the team and other departments
• Monitor the assignment of Roving FFAs and the Finance Assistants
• Support the field operation through the respective focal Finance Associates of states and regions
• Ensure that the FFAs submit their monthly financial report to monitor monthly disbursement, reconciliation of local bank accounts and operational advance ledger

Processing, recording and monitoring of reconciliation transactions :

• Accounting, Payments, and reconciliation functions focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Elaboration of the internal control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Enterprise system; travel claims and other entitlements are duly submitted, receipt of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done
• Review and approves reconciliation vouchers in the system
• Timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, corrective actions are taken on any deficiency, such as late claims, unposted voucher, budget check errors, etc.
• Participate in monthly, quarterly and year end accounts closure to meet the deadlines
• Team performance are monitored through the system reports and suggest the management to increase efficiency
• In collaboration with the Payment and the Despatch team, oversee the operational advance accounts of FFAs to ensure control procedures are in place, timely reconciliation of Operational Advances and other Advance funds as per the guidelines
• Liaise with program finance team for expenditure checking, exchange gain/loss and adjustment journal entry
• Cross checking of reconciliation transactions in the oneUNOPS ERP system and the Google database and recommend for correction if any discrepancy
• Collecting audit samples and contribute in drafting responses to internal and external audit queries and observations
• Acting as an OIC whenever the Team Lead is away from office
• Participate in annual budget preparation for the MCFU Unit, and monitor performance against plan.

Assist in development and implementation of effective standard operating procedures and internal control systems:

• Ensures the standard operating procedures and internal control systems are effective and up to date focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Monitoring of cash management processes within MCFU, i.e., liquidity management, risk assessment, day to day bank relationship, safety and security for staff, cash, assets on site
• Preparation of cash flow forecast to ensure sufficient funds in hand
• Support in liaise with the counterpart staff on proposal to changes in MCF SOP and assist in implementation of revised policies and procedures
• Review the work plans of respective programs to meet the standard (such as rates applied) and make comment / suggestions
• Report immediately to Deputy Head of Finance on any emergency incident or fraud case
• Operational Advances are used in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations

Day-to-day coordination within the team, other units and different stakeholders, including the counterpart:

• Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team through effective work planning, coordination and performance monitoring
• Provides oversight, ensuring compliance within the team and across other operational units (program, security, admin, procurement, fleet, etc.) in accordance with existing policies and best practices
• Establish a proper relationship with the counterpart officials in the filed and the central
• Coordinate in dealing with other stakeholders, such as supplier, beneficiary, etc.

Knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

• Organize, facilitate the capacity building training within the team and the counterpart staff on financial management, accounting policies and practices
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices
• Contribute feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about procedure and processes and utilize productively
• As Key Business User provides financial management support in the financial management module of Enterprise system to internal clients

Impact of Results:

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Finance Associate directly impacts the efficient and effective management of financial resources in projects and programmes, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management. 

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• First University Degree in Finance, Business Management, Business Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable but not required and may compensate for some of the required years of experience.
• Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience within the areas of finance, accounting, business administration or related field is required.
• Within the required 7 years of experience, 2 years of UN experience is required.
• Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations, working knowledge of ERP is an asset.
• Experience with MS Office 2003/or newer versions, Google Suite Applications and financial management using electronic systems are required.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Myanmar language required.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28786#1