Accounting Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Income Tax Unit of the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section, which is part of the Division of Administration (DA) under 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 UN Secretariat, including departments, Offices Away from Headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The Payroll and Accounts Payable Section is responsible for processing global payroll and payments, handling income tax claims, and providing policy advice and operational guidance. The organization aims to ensure efficient and effective operational support across its various functions, contributing to the overall mission of the United Nations to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Accounting Assistant will play a crucial role in the Income Tax Unit, reporting directly to the Chief of the Unit. This position involves a variety of accounting functions, particularly focusing on the scrutiny of source documents for accuracy and validity of charges. The role requires the assistant to investigate erroneous charges and take corrective actions as necessary. The Accounting Assistant will also be responsible for communicating with field offices and funds regarding discrepancies, reconciling suspense accounts, and ensuring compliance with data transmission to US tax authorities. The position demands a high level of professionalism and the ability to analyze complex accounting transactions, ensuring adherence to relevant financial regulations and rules. The assistant will also provide guidance and training to colleagues, supervise General Service staff, and coordinate activities across business areas, making this a multifaceted role that is integral to the financial operations of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accounting Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: scrutinizing source documents for completeness and accuracy; investigating and correcting erroneous charges; communicating with field offices regarding documentation issues; reconciling suspense accounts; assisting with compliance data transmission to US tax authorities; recording and reconciling complex accounting transactions; extracting and analyzing financial data; auditing various accounting transactions to ensure correctness; serving as an Approving Officer for disbursements; providing guidance and training to colleagues; supervising General Service staff; drafting memoranda; coordinating between business areas; responding to queries from staff and third parties; and performing other duties as required. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in all accounting activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administrative services is required. This experience can be reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Candidates should have at least four years of experience focused on transactional-based accounting activities, such as payroll and US income tax processing. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja or SAP, is also required. Familiarity with the United Nations or similar large global organizations' systems and procedures is desirable, as is experience with disbursements and adherence to relevant financial regulations.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have their minimum experience requirement reduced, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's eligibility for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administrative services. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, candidates must have at least four years of experience specifically in transactional-based accounting activities, such as payroll and US income tax processing, which highlights the importance of practical experience in this field.

Languages:
English is the required working language 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 position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, as it is essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post or funds, and budgetary approval. 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 allowances or benefits. Candidates who successfully navigate the recruitment process may have their application information shared with other UN organizations for similar job openings. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.