Accountant

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the United Nations Secretariat. This includes support for departments, offices away from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The DOS aims to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness through its various sections, including Payroll and Accounts Payable, which processes global payroll and payments, and provides policy advice and operational guidance. The organization is committed to ensuring that its operations align with the highest standards of efficiency and integrity, and it operates in multiple countries where the UN has a presence, employing a diverse workforce.

Job Overview:
The Accountant position is situated within the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section, specifically in the Income Tax Unit of the Division of Administration. The role involves providing comprehensive support in tax processes, including advising and training staff on tax reimbursement policies and procedures. The Accountant will engage in analytical research related to tax returns and documents, and will play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of tax systems, particularly the UN Tax Portal. The position requires a strong understanding of financial information systems and the ability to communicate complex tax matters clearly to clients. The Accountant will also collaborate with various stakeholders, including HR partners and Information Systems Officers, to ensure the smooth operation of tax-related processes and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accountant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing guidance and training on tax reimbursement processes; conducting analytical research on tax returns; planning and supervising the tax system development process; simplifying complex tax matters for clients; coordinating with HR on immigration-related processes; reviewing tax benefits related to international civil service; interacting with various UN agencies; providing input for financial information systems; evaluating existing systems and proposing improvements; assisting in testing methodologies; documenting system issues; and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures. The Accountant will also represent the Tax Unit in meetings and manage the work of the unit effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial and budgetary principles, including budget development and financial administration. They should demonstrate the ability to formulate strategies and technical approaches to budgetary matters, and show a commitment to professional excellence. The role requires a high level of professionalism, accountability, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a focus on gender perspectives and equal participation in the workplace.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in taxation, accounting, information technology, business administration, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in income taxes, budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting is required. Candidates should have experience in both public and private sectors, with a focus on transactional activities related to US income tax processes. Familiarity with the United Nations or large global organizations' systems and procedures is essential, along with experience in finance systems analysis and development, particularly with SAP or similar ERP systems.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is designed to ensure the highest standards of efficiency and integrity, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.