Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at UNICEF is crucial for ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of financial functions in compliance with UNICEF's financial rules and regulations. The role requires a high level of independence and involves a variety of specialized tasks, including managing payments, cash and treasury management, financial accounting, compliance, control, financial reporting, and budget monitoring. The Finance Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining financial records, supporting month-end and year-end account closures, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports and analyses. This position plays a significant role in improving financial processes and developing standard operating procedures, contributing to the overall efficiency of the finance department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will perform a range of duties including: submitting invoices for payment processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance of supporting documents; maintaining liaison with local banks regarding bank charges and payments; preparing bank reconciliations; assisting in the preparation of income reports and maintaining financial records; supporting month-end and year-end account closures; preparing recurring financial reports and ad-hoc analyses; monitoring the use of allocated funds; maintaining filing for transactional records; recommending files for archiving; supporting process improvements; and acting as an alternate to the Senior Finance Associate as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related fields. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent may replace three years of related work experience, while a Master’s degree may replace an additional two years. At least five years of clerical experience in finance, accounting, auditing, or banking is required. Proficiency in automated financial systems such as SAP or Oracle, and strong skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education in relevant fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance. A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution is preferred, and candidates with a Master’s degree may have an advantage in terms of experience substitution.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant clerical experience in finance, accounting, auditing, or banking. Candidates with experience in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts will be viewed favorably. Familiarity with automated financial systems and proficiency in data analysis are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at the G-5 level and is full-time. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers various benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards of conduct. The appointment is subject to medical clearance and visa requirements, and UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.