Finance Assistant

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and nutrition and reduce hunger and malnutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.

Reporting Lines

The Finance Assistant will report to the Programme Officer. He or she will work closely with the FAO Egypt Finance Unit team. 

Technical Focus

Delivery of financial services to FAO Egypt office

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide financial, accounting and administrative support ensuring full compliance with FAO financial rules, regulations, policies and strategies, and the effective internal controls framework; 
•    Provide support to the projects’ financial management and maintains a proper filing system for the financial records and to ensure accuracy of accounting codes and recording of receipts and payments;
•    Ensure timely preparation of monthly and annual expenditure reports, updating of budget monitoring tables, financial authorizations, transaction reports and project budget status sheets;
•    Finalize payment requests including checks and bank transfers, settlement of cash advances and travel advances and ensure that supporting documents are always adequate and complete; 
•    Keep track of and monitors the payment of Letter of Agreements (LOA), office rent and utilities;  review VAT exemption submissions and refunds; ensure maintenance of the internal expenditures reporting and control system, including the precise and correct processing of vouchers/payment requests through GRMS;
•    Update staff salaries planning tables and records; 
•    Ensure proper functioning office cash management system, including timely review of cash position for local accounts; preparation of cash forecast and cash replenishments on regular basis; 
•    Daily review zero-balance account bank statements; identify and record contributions; timely and accurately prepare bank reconciliations; initiate bank transfers and deals;
•    Facilitate the proper receipt of goods and services and establishment of accruals; maintenance of the Account Receivables for FAO projects and recording of deposits; as well as management of cash receipts and petty cash;
•    Support preparation of budget revisions in coordination with Project Managers and Operations Officer;
•    Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in Management, Finance, or Administration
•    Four years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, cash management and/or asset management related support work
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Egypt

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent of knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting policies and practices
•    Extent of knowledge of the processing and approval process of a variety of transactions 
•    Familiarity with ERP corporate financial systems
•    Knowledge of the communication and documentation standards

Selection Criteria

•    Experience in the United Nations or other international organizations is considered an asset.
•    Advanced proficiency in data analysis, data visualization, and Microsoft Excel is mandatory.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION