Chief, General Accounts Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background or identity. WFP is dedicated to creating a healthy work environment that fosters collaboration and commitment among its employees, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Chief, General Accounts Branch position is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of WFP’s financial management and reporting framework. This role involves supervising a team responsible for preparing WFP’s statutory Financial Statements in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and producing corporate quarterly management financial reports. The incumbent will develop and oversee the implementation of WFP’s accounting policies and procedures, ensuring they are robust, up-to-date, and consistently applied across all operations. The Chief will act as a technical liaison with WFP’s External Auditors during the financial audit of WFP’s Financial Statements, ensuring that all financial reporting is accurate and transparent. This position is based at WFP Headquarters in Rome and reports directly to the Director of the Financial Reporting Service (CFOR) within the Chief Financial Officer Division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this position include leading the preparation of WFP’s annual audited financial statements in compliance with IPSAS, ensuring accuracy and completeness of disclosures and supporting documentation. The Chief will establish and enhance WFP’s corporate accounting policies and procedures, providing guidance to country offices and regional bureaus on complex accounting matters. Responsibilities also include leading the assessment and implementation of new accounting standards, overseeing corporate-level consolidation processes, and designing internal controls over statutory accounting and reporting. The Chief will address audit recommendations, serve as a liaison with external auditors, and represent WFP in front of oversight bodies. Additionally, the role involves championing process optimization, developing the General Accounts Branch team, and promoting WFP’s mission and objectives while ensuring an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related fields, or a first university degree in the same subjects with two additional years of relevant work experience. A professional certification from a recognized international accountancy body such as ACCA or CPA is also required. The ideal candidate should have at least eleven years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting and reporting, with a proven record of preparing IPSAS-based or IFRS-based consolidated financial statements.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related fields. Alternatively, a first university degree in the same subjects combined with two additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Professional certification from an internationally recognized accountancy body is also necessary to demonstrate expertise in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eleven years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in financial accounting and reporting. Candidates should have a proven track record in preparing financial statements based on IPSAS or IFRS standards, showcasing their ability to handle complex financial reporting tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, which are considered working languages at WFP.

Additional Notes:
This is an International Professional position open to all nationalities. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. The position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning the incumbent will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, and WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, and various allowances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.