Senior Accounting Business Partner (General Accounting)

Senior Accounting Business Partner (General Accounting)

International Organization For Migration (IOM)

November 18, 2025January 2, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and has a diverse workforce that reflects its commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Accounting Business Partner (General Accounting) plays a crucial role within the Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) at IOM. This position is responsible for providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, and innovative solutions for the organization's global accounting processes. The Senior Accounting Business Partner will liaise regularly with management across IOM's various offices, including regional, country, and global offices, ensuring that accounting processes align with operational needs. The role requires a strong understanding of financial management and coordination, as well as the ability to lead and optimize accounting functions within a decentralized organization. The successful candidate will be expected to leverage technology to simplify accounting processes and enhance efficiency, while also ensuring compliance with IOM’s financial regulations and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Accounting Business Partner will serve as a trusted business partner to IOM’s Regional Offices (RO), Country Offices (CO), and Global Offices (GO), providing expert guidance on global accounting processes. Key responsibilities include coordinating with stakeholders to align accounting processes with operational needs, acting as a focal point for technical expertise in end-to-end accounting processes, and leveraging technology to optimize accounting functions. The role also involves developing workflows to streamline processes, implementing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets, leading the optimization of accounting processes for revenues and assets, and providing guidance on accounting and control considerations. Additionally, the Senior Accounting Business Partner will support internal and external audits, conduct risk assessments, and undertake duty travel as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Professional accounting certification from an internationally recognized body is advantageous. Candidates should have a strong background in financial accounting and compliance evaluation, particularly within international and decentralized environments, and experience managing global accounting functions. Familiarity with large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly Oracle Fusion, is required, along with a solid understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in these fields are also considered if they have nine years of relevant professional experience. Accreditation from recognized universities listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database is essential. Professional accounting certification is an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial accounting and compliance evaluation within an international, decentralized, and/or multinational environment. Candidates should have proven experience in organizing and managing global accounting functions, with managerial experience in a shared service center being an asset. Practical experience in field operations of international organizations similar in scale to IOM is advantageous. The role also demands hands-on experience using large ERP systems and a strong background in navigating complex financial systems to control, manage, and analyze data effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of extension. The role is classified at the P-4 grade level, and internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.
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