Senior Finance Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Financial Reporting Section of the Finance Division, Department of Program Planning and Finance, Administration, Finance and Management Sector.

The Financial Reporting Section is responsible for the preparation of financial reporting (including annual financial statements and reports to FITS donors) for both WIPO and UPOV. In this regard, the Section is responsible for ensuring that annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In addition, the Section is charged with the receipt of assessed and voluntary contributions for both WIPO and UPOV, together with all the related accounting and correspondence and is responsible for the preparation of bank and other reconciliations and for maintaining the accounting records regarding the Organization's fixed assets.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is primarily responsible for the administration and financial reporting of extra-budgetary resources (Funds-in-Trust), and the financial aspects of assessed contributions. In these areas the incumbent has a strategic role, working with Member States to ensure the effective operation of both voluntary and assessed contribution processes. In this regard, the incumbent is also required to co-ordinate with colleagues within the Finance Division and across the Organization, and to directly supervise the work of the Associate Finance Officer. The incumbent also works closely with the rest of the Financial Reporting Section in other areas of responsibility, including assisting the Head of Financial Reporting in specific areas for the preparation of annual financial statements.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Financial Reporting Section.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Ensure and oversee the accurate preparation of Funds-in-Trust donor reports on a timely basis in accordance with the terms of each individual donor contract.

b.  Participate in trust fund administration, working with Program Managers and other WIPO units; assist in the development of internal procedures; contribute to the review and assessment of the appropriateness of existing or draft contracts with donors to ensure compliance with WIPO's Financial Regulations and Rules; liaise with Finance Division colleagues concerning the treasury management of funds.

c.  Supervise the work of the Associate Finance Officer to ensure the accurate and timely preparation of reconciliations and recording of accounting entries, and the proper preparation of external correspondence. Manage, correct and adapt the analytical work performed by relevant subordinate staff at the Professional level. Identify opportunities for modifying and enhancing the reporting on Funds-in-Trust.

d.  Assume responsibility for the management of contributions from Member States and working capital funds for WIPO and UPOV, including calculation, invoicing, receipt, recording of payments and preparation of monthly reconciliations and resolving complex issues; prepare the financial documentation for the governing bodies and manage relations with the permanent missions, the United Nations and the national IP/UPOV Offices; act as the focal point for questions related to the operation of the contribution system for WIPO and UPOV. Work closely with IT support functions to streamline invoicing and reporting processes, and to increase analytical capabilities through improved use of the ERP system.

e.  Prepare the correspondence and annexes for the Madrid and Hague annual fee distributions, in liaison with the Income Section of the Finance Division; prepare calculations to ensure the accurate netting of contributions with fee distributions (on an annual or monthly basis as required); manage relations with the permanent missions, the national IP/UPOV Offices and the banks in the process of the fee distributions.

f.   Perform regular tasks as an Approving Officer of the Organization in accordance with WIPO's Financial Regulations and Rules. Perform tasks as Security Administrator for financial and banking platforms used by the Finance Division.

g.  Assist the Head of the Financial Reporting Section in the analysis of projects and accounting records for the preparation of WIPO and UPOV financial statements prepared in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

h.  Monitor and advise on the work of the Financial Reporting Section related to partnerships, and supervise the work of colleagues in this area. Keep up to date with the latest developments in IPSAS, and other relevant standards, including in sustainability reporting. Participate in meetings of the UN Task Force on Accounting Standards and related working and focus groups as required.

i.   Participate in the provision of information and the preparation of replies to external and internal auditors in the context of accounting and financial reporting, prepare analysis and develop policies and procedures which may be required to respond to audit observations or recommendations and carry out related actions.

j.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, economics or related discipline.  A first-level university degree in any discipline in combination with a proven professional track record of nine years or more relevant experience in accounting or finance may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

Professional accounting qualification.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience in accounting or finance.

Experience working with an ERP system.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience working in a UN common system organization.

Experience of working with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Accounting Standards (IAS) and/or International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages, preferably Spanish.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.

High level of service-orientation.

Attention to detail and accuracy.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and ability to adapt quickly to new software.

Ability to manage diverse and multicultural team.

4.     Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.