Accounting Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to become a leading organization in the field of migration, with over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and their communities. IOM's mission includes providing support to governments in managing migration effectively, ensuring the rights of migrants are respected, and facilitating their integration into host societies. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively to address the challenges and opportunities presented by migration.

Job Overview:
The Accounting Officer position is a critical role within the IOM, responsible for overseeing and ensuring the accuracy and compliance of financial accounts for various missions. The incumbent will work under the general supervision of the National Accounting Officer and the direct supervision of the Regional Accounting Officer. This role involves a comprehensive review of mission accounts, including general accounting tasks, donor financial report endorsements, project reviews, and month-end closing procedures. The successful candidate will provide integrated financial and accounting support to ensure compliance with IOM’s accounting regulations and policies. This position also requires the candidate to engage with the transition to new processes, particularly in relation to ERP implementation and capacity building, ensuring a smooth adaptation to these changes. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and recommending improvements in accounting practices and internal controls, as well as providing training and guidance to country and regional offices on financial reporting and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Accounting Officer include, but are not limited to: reviewing and analyzing the accounts of assigned Country Offices (COs), ensuring compliance with IOM internal policies; providing timely and relevant information to donors and auditors; preparing quarterly updates on critical issues for the Regional Office; endorsing project financial reports to ensure compliance with donor agreements; assisting COs in the timely completion of monthly accounts closure; providing comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of COs and Regional Offices; and acting as Officer-in-charge during the absence of supervisors. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring COs' risk profiles, recommending improvements in internal controls, and ensuring that all tasks are updated in the financial coordination system. Additionally, the role may require travel to COs as necessary to perform assigned tasks and to engage in other accounting functions as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience. Alternatively, candidates with a high school diploma must have at least 7 years of relevant work experience. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or equivalent is mandatory. Knowledge of IOM's accounting and financial reporting systems, as well as experience with SAP or Oracle, is considered an advantage. Candidates should also demonstrate sound knowledge of accounting systems, IPSAS, and internal controls, along with proficiency in MS Office applications and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited institution recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates with a high school diploma must have extensive relevant work experience to qualify. A CPA designation or equivalent is essential for this role, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in accounting or finance, particularly in roles that involve financial reporting and compliance. Experience in audit is considered an advantage, as is familiarity with IOM's accounting and financial reporting systems. Candidates with experience in using accounting software such as SAP or Oracle will have a competitive edge. The role demands a strong understanding of financial management principles and practices, as well as the ability to navigate complex financial issues effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where IOM operates, is considered a valuable asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for the Philippines will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon the candidate's medical fitness for the role, verification of residency, and compliance with any necessary government authorizations. Vaccination against COVID-19 is required for IOM personnel, and candidates will need to provide evidence of full vaccination as part of the medical entry clearance process. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system. Candidates are encouraged to visit the IOM Careers website for further information and other job postings.