Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for better production, nutrition, environment, and life.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position is situated within the FAO Shared Services Centre in Budapest, Hungary. The role is crucial for managing transaction processing specifically in the area of Accounts Payables. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the National Officer and will be responsible for ensuring that all financial transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with FAO rules and regulations. This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can handle various financial documents, including Payment Request Forms (PRFs) and staff entitlement related invoices, while also engaging in system improvements and responding to inquiries regarding invoice processing. The Finance Specialist will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of financial operations and supporting the overall mission of the FAO.

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 regulations; reviewing and approving invoices processed by others; investigating and correcting transaction errors; reconciling accounts; processing staff entitlement invoices; releasing Terminal Emoluments and Held salaries; checking the accuracy of calculations and budget codes; actively participating in system improvements; responding to inquiries through Service Now and Teams; reporting any irregularities or discrepancies; following up on aged accounts payable items; processing cancellations of international travel invoices; assisting in the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); participating in projects related to system improvements; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: a Secondary School Education; at least one year of relevant experience in finance; a working knowledge (level C) of English; and must be a national of Hungary or a resident with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the financial processes and regulations that the Finance Specialist will be dealing with in their daily tasks.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in the finance sector. This experience should ideally involve working with financial transactions, invoice processing, and familiarity with accounting principles and practices. Candidates with experience in international organizations or similar environments will be at an advantage.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, 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:
The position is based in Budapest, Hungary, and is open to nationals or residents with valid work permits. The job is likely to be full-time, although specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation are not provided in the job description. Candidates should be prepared for a role that may involve engaging with various stakeholders and contributing to the continuous improvement of financial processes within the FAO.