Finance Associate

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNV’s Management Services hold the responsibility for the strategic planning, managerial leadership, oversight and quality control of an integrated platform of operational services ensuring timely, effective and efficient delivery according to corporate performance standards and in compliance with the UN Regulations and Rules and UNDP’s accountability framework.

Under the overall guidance of UNV Chief of Finance and Budget Section (FBS) and direct supervision of the Finance Analyst, Accounts and Reporting, the Finance Associate contributes to effective delivery of financial services and transparent utilization of financial resources. He/she analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of financial issues. The Finance Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP/UNV rules and regulations.

The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with various sections and units of UNV in HQ Bonn, Germany, as well as with Regional Offices and Field Units to ensure successful delivery of financial function in UNV.

Implementation of operational and financial management strategies, adapt processes and procedures

• Ensure full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implement effective internal control, support to proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;
• Monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigate anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform supervisor and other UNV/UNDP staff at headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained;
• Support the monthly preparation of dashboards, including SCA rejects;
• Provide inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the Section/Office management.

Accounting and administrative support to FBS and Global payroll functions

• Perform the role of Global Payroll Administration for UNV local payroll. Support with maintenance of staff open item reconciliation;
• Ensure timely accounts closure as assigned by internal distribution of roles for monthly, quarterly and year-end closure;
• Ensure timely corrective actions on erroneous data in ERP;
• Prepare regular and ad-hoc financial reports as required;
• Alternate to Finance Treasury Assistant for proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NGO/NIM/Agency liquidation; prepare all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution;
• Alternate for ARGUS Requestor and for maintenance of staff rights as per the latest ICF.

Robust control of all General Ledger (GL) accounts

• Ensure robust control of accounts closure on a regular basis. Run GL reports and queries, reconcile data, propose solutions and take corrective actions in ERP;
• Review mid-month and monthly corporate financial dashboards, guide UNV and UNDP staff on corrective actions and on applicable policies/procedures;
• Introduce a system of pro-active mitigative accounts closure and coordinate with other FBS team members;
• Liaise with UNDP BMS/OFRM/GSSU on monthly, quarterly, year-end accounts clean-up. Raise GLJEs for further endorsement by Chief, FBS and Senior Management.

Treasury accounting functions

• Ensure timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to UNDP HQ requests to resolve payment related data issues;
• Perform T&E reconciliation;
• Alternate to Finance Treasury Assistant for maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in ERP; paycycle is duly prepared and processed; MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed;
• Alternate to Finance Treasury Assistant for timely initiation of bank transfers and deals in ERP.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in UNV and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters

• Organize/conduct trainings/webinars for all UNV staff on relevant areas of financial management;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in finance function;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Core competencies

Innovation

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership

• Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Technical/Functional competencies

Accounting

• Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Ability to evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful manner

Budget Management

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Operational Efficiency

• Ability to identify and execute opportunities to improve operational efficiency

Client orientation

• Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results

Knowledge Management

• Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge

Education

• Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
• University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration is desirable, but it is not a requirement;
• Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage;
• UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test required.

Experience

• 6 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience;
• Prior experience in UNDP payroll, treasury management, payment processing, and GL creation is a distinct advantage.

Language requirement

• Fluency in English.

Other

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems;
• Experience with ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft, is desirable;
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required;
• Compliance with UNDP Financial and Accounting test is required.