Accounting Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is located within the Income Tax Unit of the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section, which is part of the Division of Administration in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The DOS was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the Secretariat, including departments, field missions, and regional commissions. The Payroll and Accounts Payable Section is responsible for processing global payroll, payments, income tax claims, and providing policy advice and operational guidance. The organization aims to enhance operational efficiency and support the financial management of the UN's diverse activities.

Job Overview:
The Accounting Assistant position involves a range of responsibilities focused on ensuring the accuracy and validity of financial transactions within the Income Tax Unit. The role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to scrutinize source documents for completeness and correctness. The Accounting Assistant will be tasked with investigating discrepancies, communicating with various offices, and reconciling accounts. This position is critical in maintaining the integrity of financial records and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The role also includes providing guidance and training to colleagues, drafting memoranda, and responding to queries from staff members and third parties. The Accounting Assistant will report directly to the Chief of the Unit and will play a vital role in the operational support of the UN's financial processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accounting Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: scrutinizing source documents for completeness and accuracy; investigating erroneous charges and taking corrective actions; communicating with field offices regarding discrepancies; reconciling suspense accounts; assisting with compliance data transmission to US tax authorities; recording and reconciling complex accounting transactions; auditing various accounting transactions to ensure correctness; serving as Approving Officer for disbursements; providing guidance and training to colleagues; supervising General Service staff; drafting memoranda; coordinating between business areas; and responding to queries from staff and third parties. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and accuracy in financial reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of six years of experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administrative services is required. This experience must include at least four years focused on transactional-based accounting activities such as payroll and US income tax processing. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja or SAP, is essential. Experience working within the United Nations or similar large global organizations is desirable, particularly in relation to disbursements and adherence to financial regulations and rules.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have their minimum experience requirement reduced to five years. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge necessary for the accounting functions they will perform.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in accounting or finance, with a focus on transactional-based activities. Candidates with a first-level university degree can qualify with five years of experience. The role demands familiarity with accounting practices and the ability to handle complex financial transactions, making prior experience in similar roles crucial for success.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and is committed to creating a respectful work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.