Comptroller

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to promote the rights of every child, ensuring their survival, development, and protection. UNICEF operates with a commitment to equity, focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, dedicated to building a better world for every child, everywhere, every day.

Job Overview:
The Comptroller position at UNICEF is a senior leadership role responsible for directing and managing the organization’s global financial, budget, accounting, and administrative management operations. This role is crucial for ensuring that UNICEF effectively fulfills its mandate to protect the rights of every child worldwide. The Comptroller will provide authoritative advice and guidance on financial performance, set new operational standards, and ensure organizational resilience in a rapidly changing world. The position requires a clear vision for financial oversight and a commitment to improving UNICEF's performance and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Comptroller's key functions include monitoring UNICEF's financial performance to achieve global objectives, developing and implementing financial policies, establishing internal control mechanisms, formulating strategic risk management approaches, and overseeing the organization's financial operations. The Comptroller will direct the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM), manage financial operations related to assets and liabilities, ensure compliance with financial accountability requirements, and contribute to innovative financing modalities. Additionally, the Comptroller will advise senior management on financial matters, oversee budget preparation, and coordinate relations with the United Nations Board of Auditors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field, along with internationally recognized professional certification (e.g., CPA, CA, ACCA). Knowledge of IPSAS, IFRS, or GAAP is highly desirable. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should have at least 15 years of professional financial management experience at a senior level in large organizations, with previous experience in the United Nations or international organizations being an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree in similar fields may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying relevant experience. Professional certifications such as CPA, CA, or ACCA are essential, and knowledge of international financial reporting standards is highly desirable.

Experience:
The Comptroller position requires at least 15 years of professional financial management experience at a senior level, particularly in large organizations. Experience with the United Nations or international organizations, especially in humanitarian or development contexts, is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a proven record of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management and accounting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN working language is desired, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be available from December 202

• UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF, and all staff may be called upon to support humanitarian responses.