Chief, Accounts

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, and gender equality. UNFPA employs a diverse workforce of over 4,000 staff members who work collaboratively to implement programs and policies that address population and development issues globally.

Job Overview:
The Chief, Accounts position is a senior role within the Finance Branch of the Division for Management Services at UNFPA. This position is responsible for leading the financial operations management, overseeing key financial and accounting policies, and ensuring that the financial systems are effectively configured to manage and report on financial processes. The Chief, Accounts will oversee several units including the Data Management Unit, Statutory Reporting Unit, and Revenue and Donor Reporting Unit, ensuring that they work in partnership with other units within the Finance Branch and across the organization. The role requires strategic management, effective communication, and the ability to foster partnerships to enhance financial operations and reporting. The Chief, Accounts will also play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and will be responsible for the preparation of financial statements and statutory reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic management and HR management by advising the Chief, Finance Branch on technical areas and staff engagement, participating in senior management teams, and overseeing the performance and professional growth of team members.
• Maintain partnerships and manage knowledge by fostering relationships with key partners, providing guidance to field offices, and contributing to communication and training on accounting topics.
• Innovate and enhance policy, process, and systems efficiency by overseeing business efficiency innovations and ensuring compliance with IPSAS standards.
• Manage financial accounting and statutory reporting by representing the Finance Branch in working groups, ensuring the accuracy of general ledger accounts, and overseeing the financial statement preparation process.
• Oversee treasury management, including cash flow and banking operations, and lead innovations in digital payments.
• Ensure business continuity management by overseeing financial master data and providing quality assured data.
• Perform other duties as required by the Chief, Finance Branch and UNFPA Leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A fully qualified professional accounting qualification from a recognized international institute is also required. Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting and statutory reporting, with a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role. Experience in developing and implementing financial policies, managing ERP systems, and interpreting accounting standards is essential. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary, along with the ability to engage positively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a fully qualified professional accounting qualification from a recognized international institute (such as ACA or ACCA) will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex financial systems and regulations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting and statutory reporting positions, particularly within multinational organizations. At least 5 years of this experience should be in a supervisory role, demonstrating the ability to manage teams and engage positively with colleagues across various levels of the organization. Experience in developing and implementing financial policies, particularly those aligned with IPSAS, is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, especially French, is highly desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.