Finance Specialist - Financial Statements and Board of Auditors relations

The Finance Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information for preparation of the financial statement. The role involves analyzing and interpreting financial rules, regulations, and accounting standards (IPSAS), providing solutions to complex financial issues, supervising support personnel, and promoting a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Regularly review and monitor financial transactions in General Ledger for accuracy and appropriate accounting treatment according to UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable directives.
• 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 findings.
• 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.
• 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, testing accuracy and appropriateness.
• Sample transaction 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 and develop improvement plans.
• 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 suggest plans to contribute towards a strong control environment around financial reporting.
• Prepare analysis and tables to support preparation of corporate financial statements.
• Prepare ad-hoc, audit related reports and analysis to be submitted to the UN Board of Auditors, UNOPS Executive Board and UNOPS management.
• Provide support during Internal and External audit processes.
• Monitor follow-up actions on both Internal and External audit recommendations with relevant practices in HQ and field offices.
• Consolidate internal audit recommendations and develop holistic plans to address common areas of improvement.
• Implement a plan for automation of financial processes and enhancement of system controls.
• Consolidate training needs of finance practitioners in field offices and develop training plan.
• Support process documentation and continuous improvements in the corporate document management system (PQMS).
• Act as 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.
• Provide guidance and advice to finance practitioners on financial accounting, interpretation and operational guidance on accounting standards and UNOPS FRR.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field with 7 years of relevant experience OR a Master's Degree (or equivalent) in any of the above disciplines with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.), audit (CIA) or equivalent is required.
• Relevant experience working within an international environment in financial reporting, audit and accounting.
• Thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is required.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data and reporting clearly and concisely is required.
• Experience working across different teams, explaining financial details clearly, and building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is required.
• Knowledge and experience in ERP system developments and process improvements and automation is considered an asset.

Skills

• Financial Reporting
• Audit
• Accounting
• International Public Sector Accounting Standards
• International Financial Reporting Standards
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Financial Regulations Interpretation
• Client Oriented Financial Services
• ERP System Experience
• Process Improvement
• Financial Data Presentation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Accounting Certification
• Audit Certification
• Software Tools for Reporting

Languages

English, Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Mandarin