Finance Specialist - Accounting

Background Information - Job-specific

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, financial policy, practices, analysis, management services and reporting, organizational treasury and investments, internal control and enterprise risk management. As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for processes to ensure timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organizational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The Accounting Specialist reports to the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations who provides broad supervision and guidance. The Accounting Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information for preparation of the financial statement. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and the applicable accounting standards (IPSAS) and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues and General Ledger transactions. The Accounting Specialist supervises support personnel and promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Please note: A professional accountant qualification is required for this position, and applicants without this qualification will not be considered.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of functios:

General Corporate Accounting

Financial Oversight and Monitoring

Internal and External Audit Coordination

Capacity Building and System Improvement

Monitor and coordinate monthly and quarterly closure of General Ledger modules and sub-modules.

Prepare quarterly analysis and management report on General Ledger reconciliations, key issues and main finding

Manage and coordinate automation projects of General Ledger modules with ICT and related counterparts.

Review and approve transactions and provide expert advice on use of appropriate General Ledger accounts and related accounting treatment according to IPSAS guidelines.

Prepare analysis and feedback to queries from internal and external stakeholders related to Accounting transactions and consolidate list of improvements for implementation on regular intervals.

Plan and coordinate timely implementation of Year End Closure processes with related counterparts.

Prepare analysis and working files to support preparation of corporate financial statements.

Exercise regular control and oversight on General Ledger’s transactions carried out by counterparts. Test accuracy, appropriateness of transactions recorded in General Ledger in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.

Sample transactions areas, scrutinize supporting documents for accuracy, completeness and conformance to applicable accounting treatment.

Collaborate in risk management related to financial transactions and support implementation of necessary measures to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data in General Ledger

Consolidate common issues identified during oversight exercise. Identify recurring trends and areas of improvement in processes and develop improvement plans to address them.

Monitor progress and implementation of milestones and deadlines regarding monthly, quarterly and year end closure.

Validate GL reconciliation and bank reconciliations on regular intervals.

Identify system and process areas requiring improvement and enhancement and suggest plans to contribute towards a strong control environment around financial reporting.
3. Internal and External Audit Coordination

Implement a plan for automation of financial processes and enhancement of system controls.

Consolidate training needs of finance practitioners in field offices. Analyze lessons learned log and develop training plan for implementation to address learning needs in area of specialization.

Support process documentation and continuous improvements in the corporate document management system

Focal point and product owner for the Financial Accounting module in the UNOPS ERP system (OneUNOPS).

Develop innovative solutions to optimize financial processes and reduce manual work.

Providing guidance and advice to finance practitioners in the area of financial accounting, interpretation and operational guidance on the application of the Accounting standards and UNOPS FRR. IMPACT OF RESULTS: The key results have an impact on the overall Financial Group efficiency in financial resources management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies. Accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services ensure client satisfaction and enhance UNOPS credibility in use of financial resources.


Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education

A Master's Degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field is required.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.), audit (CIA) or equivalent is required Experience

Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience within an international environment in the areas of financial reporting, audit and accounting

A thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Knowledge and experience in ERP system developments and process improvements and automation is considered an asset.

Full working knowledge of English.

Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Contract type: Staff
Contract level: P-3 (ICS-10)
Contract duration: Fixed-term staff contract - One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

As per the terms of the Host Agreement between UNOPS and the Government of Denmark, UNOPS officials are privileged to an exemption from taxation on the salaries and emoluments paid to them by UNOPS granted that they reside in Denmark. For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx
Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.