Senior Accounting Business Partner (Accounts Payable) (P)

Job Identification (Reference Number): 14285
Position Title: Senior Accounting Business Partner (Accounts Payable)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional 
Vacancy Type:  Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 07 May 2025

Introduction:

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.                                                                          

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates: 

                1. Internal candidates

                2. External female candidates:

                3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) oversees and manages the organization's global financial, budgetary, treasury, accounting and administrative functions.  

​The Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on the financial position and financial performance of the Organization. The Division oversees the accounting, financial controlling and financial reporting processes of IOM. The Division prepares key financial statements and reports on the financial position and performance of the Organization in compliance with IOM’s statutory financial reporting regulations, including the IOM Financial Regulations and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and reports on IOM’s annual financial results to the United Nations following the applicable United Nations standards. The Division is also in charge of the financial master data structures, data flows and financial processes within IOM’s enterprise resource planning system; endorsement of donor financial reports; is the institutional Focal Point for the IOM External Auditor and for financial matters with the United Nations; and hosts the team managing the IOM data publishing process on the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) platform​. The Accounting Business Partner (Accounts Payable) must demonstrate qualities of leadership as well as relevant experience and qualifications in financial management and coordination and corporate controlling. The assigned responsibilities of this position include regular liaison with management within IOM Headquarters and Global Shared Services, as well as IOM Regional, Country and Global Offices. 

​Under the overall supervision of the Comptroller and Director of the Department of the Financial and Administrative Management Department and the direct supervision the Chief of Global Accounting. The  Accounting Business Partner (Accounts Payable) will be responsible and accountable for focusing on providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, and innovative solutions for the organization's global accounts payable (AP) processes. 

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Serve as a trusted business partner to, IOM’s Regional Offices (RO), Country Offices (CO) and Global Offices (GO) and HQ teams by providing expert guidance on global accounts payable (AP) processes and solutions.Collaborate with stakeholders across IOM to align AP processes with operational needs, ensuring efficient and effective payment management across the organization.Acts as a Focal Point for technical expertise in global AP, supporting cross-functional teams in addressing challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation.Leverages technology to simplify processes tailored to the global needs of IOM, including:Implementing smart document recognition in countries where such technology is viable;Coordinating the development of technological improvements, including AI and robotic process automation (RPA) to enhance the new cloud-based payment processes;Collaborating with the Treasury team to integrate payments into the digital financial gateway for disbursements and managing error files with global banking institutions;Collaborate with relevant DFAM services to design a future-focused service delivery model for AP processes, ensuring scalability and efficiency.Develop workflows between ROs, COs and GOs and HQ to streamline accounts payable invoice processing;Build and manage a hybrid team across multiple locations for enhanced invoice and payment processing support;Draft and implement Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets with clear escalation mechanisms to meet field needs and ensure timely payment execution.Oversee accounts payable processes globally, ensuring effective controls are in place to maintain data accuracy and integrity. Oversee the application of policies, procedures, and training materials for AP processes, fostering consistency and compliance across the organization.Partner with the Treasury Division and Supply Chain Department to enhance vendor master data management, minimizing fraud risks and ensuring smooth payment execution.Review aged payables quarterly, identifying and addressing potential issues in collaboration with relevant offices.Provide guidance to ROs, COs and GOs operations on AP invoices and related financial internal control considerations. Build capacity within global finance teams on AP through knowledge-sharing, training, and the development of scalable tools and resources.Collaborate within FAD to ensure month- and year-end closure processes for expense recognition, accounts payable, receipt accruals, and commitments are accurate and IPSAS-compliant. Support the internal and external audits by providing timely responses and required evidence.Develop and maintain guidance, procedures, and training materials to standardize payment processing and compliance.Conduct risk assessments related to AP processes, proactively managing risks and identifying opportunities to align with organizational objectives.Undertake duty travel as assigned.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Master’s or university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; orBachelor’s degree in the above field with nine years of relevant professional experienceProfessional accounting certification by an internationally recognized professional accountancy body is an advantage.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:

Minimum of seven years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial accounting and compliance within an international, decentralized, and/or multinational environment;Proven experience organizing and managing multi-country accounts payable functions in a decentralized organization; managerial experience in a shared service centre is an asset;Progressive and practical experience in field operations of international organizations of similar scale to IOM is an advantage;Experience in managing teams and overseeing financial operations;Hands-on experience using large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required; familiarity with Oracle Fusion and cloud-based accounts payable solutions is an asset;Strong background in navigating complex financial systems to control, manage, and analyze data effectively;Solid understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); and,Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive management reports. 

Skills:

High proficiency in Excel, MS Office applications, and strong overall computer literacy;Skilled in operating within complex financial monitoring frameworks, with an ability to tailor policies and procedures to operational needs;Familiarity with IOM/UN accounting systems, software, regulations, policies, and procedures is highly desirable;Deep understanding of decentralized operating models and related complexities;Demonstrated capacity to innovate and design policies, structures, and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in financial and administrative functions;Strong communication, people management, and interpersonal skills;Proficient in English with excellent writing abilities;Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, and practices is desired; and,Demonstrated adaptability and ability to lead through transitions and change.

Languages:

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

 

Required Competencies:

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

 Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3

 Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

 

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3

Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty. Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

 

Notes:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations.  Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies