Finance and Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Financial Reporting and Analytic Service of the Finance Division, which is part of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) under the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). This organization is dedicated to ensuring effective financial management and compliance with international accounting standards, specifically the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Finance Division plays a crucial role in preparing financial statements and reports for various funding sources, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial operations. The organization is committed to maintaining high standards of financial integrity and providing support to intergovernmental bodies in their financial decision-making processes.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer is responsible for overseeing the financial operations within the organization, ensuring compliance with IPSAS and other legislative mandates. This role involves reviewing and finalizing program plans and budget proposals, providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, and managing budget administration. The officer will also be tasked with preparing detailed financial reports, managing a variety of funding sources, and ensuring that all financial transactions are conducted in accordance with UN regulations. The position requires a strong analytical ability to interpret complex financial data and provide recommendations for financial management. The officer will also play a key role in training and guiding staff on budgetary and financial policies, ensuring that the organization adheres to best practices in financial management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: reviewing and finalizing program plans and budget proposals; ensuring legislative mandates are accurately reflected in program budgets; managing budget implementation and monitoring expenditures; administering extra-budgetary resources; preparing budget performance submissions and reports; managing financial operations across multiple funding sources; analyzing accounts and preparing financial reports; ensuring compliance with financial regulations; providing guidance and training to staff; participating in inter-departmental meetings; drafting reports and official documentation; conducting research and analysis of financial policies; and acting as Certifying Officer or Approving Officer as required. The officer may also be involved in planning and supervising the work of the assigned unit or section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, particularly in relation to IPSAS and IFRS standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by relevant work experience. The emphasis is on obtaining a solid foundation in financial management and accounting principles, which is critical for the effective execution of the duties associated with this role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budget, or business administration is required. Candidates should have experience applying private sector or public-sector accounting standards, particularly IPSAS, and should be adept at preparing financial statements. Extensive experience in drafting complex financial reports and analyzing audit observations is essential. Experience in developing user guidance and training documentation for accounting processes is also desirable, as it contributes to the overall effectiveness of the financial operations within the organization.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language. Candidates should demonstrate a strong command of both written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively. The UN Language Framework outlines the minimum required proficiency levels for each language skill, which candidates should consult for further details.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within the United Nations, and it may involve international recruitment. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been detailed in the job posting. Compensation and benefits are typically aligned with UN standards, which include a competitive salary, health insurance, and retirement benefits. The role may require participation in inter-departmental meetings and collaboration with various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and effective communication in achieving organizational goals.