Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Financial Reporting and Oversight Unit (FROU) of the United Nations Office at Vienna and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOV/UNODC). The UNOV was established to support the work of the United Nations in Vienna, which includes various international organizations and agencies. The UNODC focuses on issues related to drugs and crime, promoting international cooperation and providing assistance to member states. The organization aims to enhance global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and development through effective governance and the rule of law. The UNOV/UNODC operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer will play a crucial role in managing the financial operations of the UNOV/UNODC, which involves overseeing a wide range of funding sources and a significant volume of transactions. The incumbent will be responsible for grant management, treasury functions, payroll, and vendor claims, among other financial activities. This position requires a strong understanding of financial regulations and the ability to analyze accounts and prepare financial reports. The Finance Officer will also be expected to implement solutions for any irregularities and ensure that all accounting and reporting systems are functioning accurately. Additionally, the role involves providing support for the development of new accounting systems and improving existing processes, as well as training clients and field offices on finance-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will manage a complete financial operation, which includes supervising the Accounts Section's functional units. Key responsibilities include approving obligations and expenditures, analyzing accounts, preparing financial reports, and maintaining accurate accounting records. The incumbent will also prepare consolidated financial statements, respond to audit observations, and collect data for trend analysis. Furthermore, the Finance Officer will oversee compliance with EU funding arrangements, monitor risk management activities, and guide staff in financial processes. The role requires the ability to perform other work-related duties as assigned, ensuring that all tasks align with the organization's financial regulations and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent knowledge of modern ERP accounting systems, particularly UMOJA (SAP), and have a strong grasp of accounting principles and procedures. The ability to conduct independent research and analysis, as well as to interpret data for decision-making, is essential. The Finance Officer should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work. Strong planning and organizational skills are necessary to manage priorities and allocate resources effectively. Client orientation is also critical, as the incumbent will need to establish productive partnerships with clients and address their needs promptly.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) is required, and candidates must attach a certificate to their application.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administration is required. Candidates must have experience with Enterprise Resource Planning systems and in preparing financial statements. Work experience in auditing accounts according to International Accounting Standards (IPSAS or IFRS) is desirable, as is experience with SAP systems and data analytics. Experience in grants management is also considered an asset for this position.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, but proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The specific contract duration is not mentioned, but candidates should be prepared for a role that demands a high level of professionalism and commitment to the UN's mission. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process.