Accountant

Org. Setting and ReportingThe position is located in the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section, Income Tax Unit of the Division of Administration (DA) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS). The Department of Operational Support was established to provide operational advisory services to operating entities across the Secretariat, including other departments, offices away from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The Payroll and Accounts Payable Section processes global payroll and payments, provides policy advise and operational guidance, testing and implementation of enhancements. The Income Tax Unit provides analysis and technical direction for planning, implementing, guidance and supporting financial information, provide day-to-day problem-solving services regarding tax process/systems to clients. The Accountant will report to the Chief of the Income Tax Unit. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Accountant will be responsible for the following duties: Tax: • Provide advice and guidance, including training, to headquarters and field staff on tax reimbursement process, policies, and procedures, including making necessary actions for accurate reimbursement and protection of the TEA Fund. • Provide analytical research and information to tax returns and other tax documents such as IRS transcripts and provide an understanding to other parts of the Organization such as in Management Advice and Evaluation Section cases. • Plan, supervise, coordinate, and participate in all phases of the system development tax process particularly with the UN Tax Portal and yearly testing of the UN in-house tax system. • Provide simplified explanation of complex tax matters to clients. • Provide and evaluate tax cases with an excellent understanding of immigration status as it relates to an International Organization. • Provide and coordinate with HR partners the importance processes such as Waiver sign dates, change of immigration status, and the monetary impact on the budget. • Undertake and participate in working with other colleagues to review workbooks such as the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) related to certain tax benefits such as the Child Tax credit, the limited time repeal of the dependent exemption and other areas where benefits are impacted. • Interact with Information Systems Officers in Umoja; OICT, HR OPS; Payroll Finance and several UN Agency Partners. Finance and Budget • Provide input for the business analysis and technical direction for planning, implementing, and supporting financial information systems for the UN Income Tax Unit, including Tax system (STARS), Umoja (SAP ERP), and Tax Portal. • Provide input for analysis of industry best practice in business processes, and design and manage the implementation of new methods of work with departmental or organizational scope that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations. • Provide input for the evaluation of existing systems and identify the need for new systems (or modifications to existing systems). • Provide input for select options for solving system and workflow problems and propose the most suitable solutions based upon functional and economic considerations. • Provide input and participate in all phases of the systems development lifecycle, through the negotiation and development of design change documentation. • Assist in test plans and testing methodologies. • Provide day-to-day problem-solving services for complex tax systems issues to clients. • Document system problems and prioritize them. • Identify problems and irregularities in Umoja (SAP ERP), tax operations and completed transactions, resolving them in a timely and effective manner. • Propose resolutions and data fixes following best practice where data has been corrupted. • Write work procedures for systems and/or specific business events. General • Provides advice and guidance, including training, to headquarters and field staff on budgetary and financial policies and procedures and tax issues. • Ensure the integrity of financial and management systems and the controls that underpin them. • Represent PAPS/ITU or division in inter and intra-departmental meetings. • Plan, organize, manage, and supervise the work of the Tax Unit. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, budget development and financial administration of resources. Ability to develop budgetary policies, procedures and new programmes. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches to budgetary matters. Show pride in work and in achievements; demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in taxation, accounting, information technology, business administration, finance, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in income taxes, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, payroll, including complex budgetary and accounting operations, and preferably in both the public and private sector is required. At least 5 years of experience focused on transactional activities of US income tax process is required. Experience working with the United Nations or a large global Organization’s system and procedures are required. Experience in finance systems analysis and development is desirable Knowledge and experience in SAP crystal Reports is desirable. Experience with SAP, People Soft or similar ERP systems, specifically in the area of payroll and finance is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).