Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission to Serbia is part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established in 197

• The mission aims to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. The OSCE operates in 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a focus on conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The organization employs thousands of staff members and works in various sectors, including political affairs, economic and environmental activities, and human rights. The OSCE Mission to Serbia specifically addresses issues related to security, governance, and human rights in the country, fostering cooperation among diverse communities and supporting the implementation of reforms.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is crucial for the effective functioning of the OSCE Mission to Serbia’s Finance Section within the Fund Administration Unit. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the National Finance Officer and will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate execution of treasury disbursements. This role requires a strong understanding of financial transactions, treasury operations, and banking arrangements. The Finance Assistant will play a key role in maintaining financial integrity and supporting the overall financial operations of the Unified Budget (UB) and Extra-Budgetary (ExB) activities. The incumbent will also be involved in forecasting funding requirements, processing payments, and ensuring compliance with OSCE rules and procedures. This position is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, possess strong analytical skills, and have a passion for finance and administration within an international context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: reviewing payment vouchers for correctness and completeness, processing payroll, travel advances, claims, and invoices; forecasting funding requirements to ensure smooth financial operations; advising on banking arrangements and cash flow management; processing bank and cash reconciliations; maintaining the online electronic banking system; acting as a Bank Signatory for the Mission's bank accounts; performing monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts; processing payments under Implementing Partner contracts; reviewing project proposals and budget adjustments; and liaising with Project Managers to resolve discrepancies. The incumbent will also be responsible for submitting financial reports to the Secretariat in Vienna and ensuring compliance with all stipulated conditions for financial transactions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess citizenship or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia. A completed secondary education supplemented by specialized training in accounting or finance is required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant working experience in treasury, accounting, and finance, preferably in an international environment. Established knowledge of the local banking system, including e-banking processes, is essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Serbian are mandatory. Candidates should also be computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications and computerized accounting systems. Knowledge of ERP systems, particularly Oracle Applications, is desirable, as is familiarity with the OSCE or similar administrative frameworks. The ability to work with diverse groups of people while maintaining impartiality and objectivity is crucial, along with demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity.

Educational Background:
The position requires a completed secondary education, which should be supplemented by specialized training in accounting or finance. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the foundational knowledge necessary to perform the financial tasks associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant working experience in treasury, accounting, and finance. This experience should ideally be gained in an international environment, which will provide the candidate with the necessary skills and understanding of the complexities involved in financial operations within a global context. Experience with local banking systems and e-banking processes is also critical for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Serbian is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in these languages is essential for the role's responsibilities. While not mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset and could enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a one-year fixed-term Letter of Appointment, subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period. The contract is renewable annually based on performance and the continuing need for the position. Appointments are typically made at Step 1 of the applicable salary scales, with a monthly remuneration of approximately EUR 1,730.83, subject to social security deductions. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The position is full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply online through the OSCE website by the specified deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those not contacted by the follow-up date should consider their applications unsuccessful. The OSCE is committed to achieving gender balance within the organization and retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy or modify the job description as necessary.