DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
Finance and Budget Section - Division of Controller and Management Services. WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Division of Controller and Management Services is seeking a dynamic Senior Finance Officer (Financial Reporting and Payables) to drive precision, accountability, and innovation in our Finance and Budget Section.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief, Finance Section, the incumbent manages the accounting, financial reporting and accounts payable activities of the Finance Section including managing of staff. The incumbent will:
FINANCIAL CLOSURE AND REPORTING
a) Manage month-end and year-end financial closure processes, ensuring appropriate coordination with administrative and technical departments;
b) Manage the underlying accounting records of WMO, ensuring they are accurate and complete. Ensures that all accounting transactions are processed timely and in accordance with IPSAS and WMO's regulations and rules;
c) Manage the asset-related accounting and disclosure processes;
d) Ensure that accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained in accordance with the Financial Regulations, Rules and policies;
e) Produce major/complex financial reports for management;
f) Prepares the consolidated financial statements of the WMO to be audited. Respond to internal/external audit observations. Reviews and provides quality control for the financial statements of other entities for which Finance has responsibility.
POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND INNOVATION IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
a) Analyse accounts reviews/prepares regular financial reports including dashboards;
b) Provide reconciliation of key accounts and accounting anomalies using automation tools;
c) Design and provide reporting tools for finance out of new ERP system including automation of financial statements;
d) Take initiative to improve and streamline accounting processes and approaches in the new ERP system including automation and bots including related internal controls;
e) Provide guidance emerging technologies and innovations in the finance field and proactively implement these advancements to enhance the organizationโs financial reporting processes and efficiency.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGEMENT
a) Manage relevant finance elements of the procure-to-pay process;
b) Act as an Approving Officer for accounts payable related transactions to ensure that proposed expenditures are in accordance with established regulations and rules.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING
a) Participate in working groups and forums relating to IPSAS representing WMO and contribute to ensure WMO is IPSAS compliant;
b) Preparation of IPSAS implementing guidance and policies for the organization based on newly applicable IPSAS.
MANAGEMENT
a) Manage a team of between 3 and 5 staff members supporting accounts payable, financial closure and reporting and ERP utilization in finance processes, including providing guidance, training, supervision and support;
b) Manage a complete financial operation, encompassing a wide variety of funding sources, a large volume of transactions, and extensive dispersed activities;
c) Provide advice and guidance, including training on financial policies and procedures;
d) Carry out other relevant duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree (or equivalent) in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Qualification in accounting (e.g. ACCA, CA, CPA, etc.) is required.
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, and general administration, including at least five years in an international organization.
- Excellent understanding and solid work experience of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), with specific experience in preparing full IPSAS compliant financial statements.
- Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, especially the financial and grants/awards modules.
- Experience in the implementation and/or continuous improvement in the utilization of an ERP system, preferably Oracle-based, is required.
Other requirements
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and accounting systems.
- Sense of responsibility, initiative, accuracy and judgment in performing assigned responsibilities.
- Strong analytical skills. Ability to draft documents and reports.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.
- Certification on Innovation and AI in Finance would be considered as an additional advantage.
COMPETENCIES
The Senior Finance Officer (Financial Reporting and Payables) must demonstrate managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies:
- Communication & Influence
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Working knowledge of French would be desirable and knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) The position is funded from regular budget.
New appointments on fixed-term contract of one year or more shall be subject to an initial one-year probation period. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 84672
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 75104 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 22 August 2025