Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• Its mission is to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. ICAO works with the 193 member states and global aviation organizations to develop international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and to assist in their implementation. The organization is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 800 staff members from various countries, contributing to its operations in over 150 countries worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in the Finance Branch, which is responsible for managing the financial resources of the ICAO. This position involves overseeing cost accounting initiatives, ensuring compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and enhancing financial processes and systems. The Finance Specialist will work closely with the Chief of the Finance Branch and will be tasked with managing cost accounting methodologies, developing cost allocation frameworks, and coordinating financial reporting and analytics. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying improvement opportunities in business processes and finance systems, as well as representing the Finance Branch in organizational improvement initiatives. The incumbent will also be responsible for training and knowledge transfer related to cost recovery and accounting methodologies, contributing to the long-term financial sustainability of ICAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead cost accounting initiatives, including methodology development and cost recovery policy implementation, ensuring compliance with IPSAS standards.
• Oversee financial aspects of organizational efficiency projects, representing the Finance Branch in cross-functional initiatives.
• Develop comprehensive cost allocation frameworks and establish cost measurement standards.
• Coordinate with various business units to validate cost components and support efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Manage cost accounting system requirements within the Quantum ERP framework.
• Track performance KPIs for cost accounting and efficiency projects, identifying areas for enhancement.
• Conduct comprehensive business process analysis to identify improvement opportunities.
• Monitor internal control requirements in financial systems and mitigate process-related risks.
• Serve as the business-side focal point for financial reporting and analytics, leading the design and maintenance of financial reports and dashboards. 1
• Represent Finance Branch interests in organizational improvement initiatives and coordinate strategic finance technology implementations. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, CA, ACCA) is desirable.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, cost accounting, budgeting, or related areas is essential.
• Extensive experience in budget planning, financial analysis, and financial oversight is required.
• Advanced experience in Excel and financial reporting tools is necessary.
• Prior experience in systems implementation and ERP financial modules is essential.
• Experience in large, complex organizations (UN, governmental, or international) is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in a relevant field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A professional accounting qualification such as CPA, CA, or ACCA is considered desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, cost accounting, budgeting, or related areas. Candidates should have extensive experience in budget planning, financial analysis, and financial oversight, along with experience in designing and maintaining financial reports and dashboards. Advanced experience in Excel and financial reporting tools is necessary, as well as prior experience in systems implementation and ERP financial modules. Experience in large, complex organizations, particularly within the UN or governmental sectors, is essential, along with supervisory or team management experience.

Languages:
Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English are essential for this position. A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of ICAO's operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is to be filled for an initial period of one year. ICAO staff members are international civil servants and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization within the duty station. The organization offers an attractive benefits package in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after January 1, 2014, is 6

• For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered. The remuneration for this position is at Level P-4, with a net base salary of USD $84,672 per annum, plus a post adjustment of USD $30,651 per annum, which is subject to change.