Accountant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section, Income Tax Unit of the Division of Administration (DA) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The Department of Operational Support was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the Secretariat, including departments, offices away from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The organization focuses on processing global payroll and payments, providing policy advice, operational guidance, and implementing enhancements. The Income Tax Unit specifically analyzes and provides technical direction for financial information and supports clients with day-to-day problem-solving regarding tax processes and systems.

Job Overview:
The Accountant will play a crucial role in the financial operations of the United Nations, specifically within the Income Tax Unit. This position requires a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices, as the Accountant will be responsible for analyzing accounts, reviewing financial reports, and identifying irregularities. The role involves ensuring compliance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the UN, approving expenditures, and maintaining accurate accounting and reporting systems. The Accountant will also assist in preparing financial statements for audits and provide guidance on financial regulations. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of financial processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accountant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: analyzing accounts and evaluating financial reports from various UN offices and missions, identifying and resolving problem transactions, approving obligations and expenditures in accordance with UN regulations, ensuring the integrity of accounting and reporting systems, preparing financial statements for audits, providing guidance on financial regulations, coordinating payroll and vendor claims processing, monitoring transactions for accounting system entry, and participating in the development of accounting policies. The Accountant will also be expected to keep abreast of UN billing procedures and provide necessary information for audit responses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, and standards. They should demonstrate the ability to apply analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operations, conduct independent research, and formulate recommendations. Professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in the workplace are essential. The Accountant should also exhibit strong planning and organizational skills, accountability in their responsibilities, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in taxation, accounting, information technology, business administration, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or budget management is required. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience focused on transactional activities related to the US income tax process. Experience working with the United Nations or a large global organization is essential, along with familiarity with finance systems analysis and development. Proficiency in using ERP systems such as SAP or PeopleSoft, particularly in payroll and finance, is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by extrabudgetary funds, and the appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process will not involve any fees, and candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and adherence to the UN's standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.