Head of Finance – MMCO

Functional Responsibilities

The Head of Finance analyses and interprets financial rules and regulations and provides solutions for a wide spectrum of complex financial issues, promoting a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations. Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Head of Finance is responsible for the following:

Strategic Advice and Guidance

• Reliable strategic and technical advice and timely performance management reports to MMCO projects, programmes, and Senior Management Group, to enable and encourage informed management engagement on financial issues.
• Advice to MMCO senior leadership on cost reduction strategies aimed at maintaining MMCO’s financial viability.
• Participation in the development and implementation of the MMCO’s business plan as a strategic partner.
• Provide advice to MMCO senior leadership on financial performance against the annual delivery targets with the purpose of informed strategic decision and resource allocation in line with the organizational priorities.
• Review, analysis and revision of data for finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, and direct support during the development and implementation of project acquisition to ensure efficient financial implementation and adherence to both UNOPS and client pricing policies.
• Actively participate in the interagency discussions and meetings in respect to any financial arrangements and procedures which affect the financial operations in country

Financial Management, Reporting and Controls

• Continuous review of financial and accounting operations ensuring adequate financial controls are in place to protect financial resources and ensure reliability of data and financial reports.
• Development and implementation of UNOPS Myanmar financial management Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Management of the locally shared services and management budgets including review, analysis, reporting, monitoring performance and identification of administrative budgetary requirements as well as provision of guidance on budget preparation and the procedures for submission to facilitate consolidation at the regional level.
• Timely and accurate financial reports to funding sources in accordance with UNOPS rules and procedures and established donor requirements
• Management of Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payable including payroll and development – of reporting mechanism.
• Account review, analysis and reconciliation, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the financial data disclosed in the certified financial statements; Implement related and effective risk management actions.
• Monthly, quarterly and annual closure activities for MMCO in compliance with pertinent UNOPS policies and procedures, and in line with Finance Group guidelines.
• Management of audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audit engagements and follow up on audit observations/recommendations; Implement necessary changes to strengthen financial controls.
• Establish, manage and maintain arrangements with commercial banks in Myanmar to achieve cost-effectiveness and secure payments.
• Lead the development and implementation of cash handling procedures and prepares cash and currency flow forecasts and projections.

Financial Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Contribute to the development of internal capacity across MMCO in financial accounting.
• Develop capacity of stakeholders in financial accounting by leading, organizing and conducting training/workshops, identifying expert resources to facilitate as needed.
• Synthesize and disseminate of lessons learned and best practices in Finance, and offer sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Provide technical guidance and on the job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed.

Management and Leadership

• Leadership and oversight of the Finance Unit, establishing strategic team objectives, key performance indicators, and measurement standards toward delivering expected results.
• Management of the Managed Cash Flow Unit (MCFU) responsible for cash-flow/disbursement/cash transfer mechanisms and implementation of internal controls, risk management and planning of related activities, including a team upwards of 80 personnel.
• Continuous assessment of the performance and effectiveness of financial services, recommending changes and/or corrective actions in the team structure and/or finance operations to enhance and maintain effectiveness in the changing environment.
• Attract, retain and develop talent with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, offering guidance to enable responsible, effective and efficient performance.
• Promote collaboration and foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Impact of Results

The Head of Finance directly impacts the effective management and financial integrity of UNOPS through the effective stewarding of UNOPS Myanmar resources, maintaining appropriate controls and integrity of financial management in accordance with relevant UNOPS rules and regulations, enabling prudent management financial resources and building an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues in support of the UNOPS Myanmar strategy.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in the above mentioned fields, with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s Degree.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent highly desirable.

b. Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management and accounting.
• Minimum 2 years experience in supervising and managing teams with large number of personnel deployed in several locations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing financial systems and budgets .
• Knowledge of international accounting and financial reporting standards is required.
• Hands on experience with UN administrative/financial regulations and rules as well as procurement procedures would be an asset.
• Experience in multi-donor and multi-agency accounting, budgeting and auditing is highly desirable.
• Experience in a large-scale project management environment is desirable.
• Experience in handling complex financial management issues at the international level is desirable.
• Experience in other functional areas in operations – HR, Procurement and General Administration, would be an asset.
• Knowledge of budgetary procedures, policies and practices is desirable.

c. Language

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.