Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that aims to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and has a mission to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, ensuring that no one is left behind. The FAO Shared Services Centre (SSC) plays a crucial role in managing process management and procedures, ensuring quality assurance in transactional processes, and continuously improving customer satisfaction while driving down service delivery costs through standardization and automation.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position is located within the FAO Shared Services Centre in Budapest, Hungary. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the National Officer and will be primarily responsible for transaction processing in the area of Accounts Payables. This role is critical in ensuring that financial transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with FAO's rules and regulations. The Finance Specialist will engage in various tasks related to payment processing, invoice management, and financial reporting, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organization's financial operations. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in financial processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: processing Payment Request Forms (PRFs) for supplier invoices and consultant payments, ensuring compliance with FAO rules; reviewing banking instructions for accuracy; processing staff entitlement-related invoices; reviewing and approving invoices processed by others; investigating errors and reconciling accounts; processing accounting adjustments; monitoring aged accounts payable items; running Electronic Fund Transfer payment batches; facilitating communication with FAO’s corporate bank regarding payment issues; creating payment batches and sending Agency Service requests to UNDP offices; and participating in system improvement projects. The role also involves responding to inquiries regarding invoice processing and preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the minimum requirements, which include having completed secondary school education and possessing at least one year of relevant experience in finance. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory. Candidates must be nationals of Hungary or residents with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical and functional skills in communication and documentation standards are also required, along with proficiency in MS Office applications and familiarity with Oracle ERP or similar systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of secondary school education. While higher education in finance or a related field may be advantageous, it is not explicitly stated as a requirement. The emphasis is placed on relevant experience and practical knowledge in finance-related tasks.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in finance, particularly in areas related to accounts payable and transaction processing. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to handle financial transactions accurately and efficiently, as well as experience in working with financial systems and processes. Familiarity with the FAO's operational procedures and financial regulations would be beneficial.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another FAO official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Budapest, Hungary. The role is open to nationals of Hungary or residents with a valid work permit. The FAO offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and engagement in meaningful work that contributes to global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and sustainable development.