Finance Assistant

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 the leading organization in the field of migration, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM operates in over 150 countries and has more than 10,000 employees worldwide, working to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, and aims to support migrants and communities in their integration and development efforts.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is crucial for the effective management of financial resources within the IOM framework. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and directly report to the Resources Management Officer. The role involves assisting in the management of financial resources by monitoring and controlling assets, reserves, and funds in accordance with IOM rules and regulations. The Finance Assistant will also be responsible for preparing annual budget submissions and revisions, estimating costs related to staff, office supplies, and services. This position requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to extract and input data from various financial systems, ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported. The Finance Assistant will also provide guidance on accounting and budget-related issues, review payment requests, and assist in the preparation of financial reports, thereby playing a vital role in supporting informed financial decision-making within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Assisting in managing financial resources by monitoring and controlling assets, reserves, and funds in accordance with IOM regulations.
• Preparing annual budget submissions and revisions, including estimating costs for staff, office supplies, and services.
• Extracting and inputting data from various sources into financial or accounting systems.
• Providing guidance on accounting, budget, and financial issues.
• Reviewing staff projectization against budget availability and project validity.
• Reviewing all types of payments, ensuring they are duly authorized and supported by necessary documentation.
• Assisting in the review and clearing of monthly common office costs charged to the cost center.
• Verifying vendor claims for accuracy and compliance with IOM finance policies.
• Performing claim verifications to ensure proper authorization and receipt of goods/services. 1
• Assisting in the preparation of budget, accounting, financial, and statistical reports as required. 1
• Providing assistance to staff services such as travel and expense claims. 1
• Ensuring systematic completion of all posted payments and accounting documents. 1
• Providing regular and ad hoc financial information to support decision-making. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma with five years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finances, or related fields with three years of relevant professional experience. Candidates must have proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with SAP and Oracle is a distinct advantage. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to organize paperwork methodically are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate discretion, client orientation, and a willingness to learn new things. Prior work experience in the private sector, public sector, or international humanitarian organizations is preferred, particularly in a multicultural setting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finances, or related fields with three years of relevant professional experience. It is important that the educational qualifications are from accredited universities recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or five years if they have a high school diploma. Experience in financial management, accounting, and budget preparation is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is required, and familiarity with SAP and Oracle systems is a distinct advantage. Candidates should also have strong analytical skills and prior work experience in a multicultural environment, preferably within international organizations or humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. This is a mandatory requirement, and candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Ecuador will be considered. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. The appointment will also be subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.