Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on reproductive health and rights, and population and development. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, gender-based violence, and demographic change. UNFPA is committed to promoting human rights and gender equality, and it seeks to recruit staff who embody these values and can deliver high-impact results in a rapidly changing global environment.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial management of the UNFPA Country Office (CO) in Kathmandu, Nepal. Reporting to the Finance Associate and under the supervision of the International Operations Manager, the Finance Assistant is responsible for implementing financial rules and regulations, ensuring compliance with UNFPA policies, and delivering quality financial services to CO staff. This position requires a client-oriented approach and a commitment to transparency and effective financial management. The Finance Assistant will work closely with various teams within the CO, facilitating smooth operations and resolving complex financial issues while ensuring high-quality and accurate work. The role involves a variety of financial tasks, including processing payments, managing financial records, and producing financial reports, all aimed at supporting the organization's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of operational strategies: Ensure compliance of financial processes with UNFPA rules and regulations, contribute to business process mapping, and assist in developing internal Standard Operating Procedures.
• Payment processing: Act as the payment focal point, prepare Payment Vouchers and Journal Vouchers, review payment requests, create invoices in the ERP system, and ensure timely settlement of cash advances.
• FACE forms management: Receive and process FACE forms from implementing partners, maintain records, and facilitate finance-related training.
• Travel Claims review: Review Travel Claims submitted, ensure proper settlement, and provide feedback as necessary.
• Liaison with UNDP Finance: Follow up with UNDP for timely processing of payment vouchers and ensure correct application of Chart of Accounts.
• Maintenance of financial documents: Organize and file financial documents for easy retrieval and support audits and assurance activities.
• Reporting: Produce financial reports from ERP systems and monitor compliance with mandatory tasks.
• Petty cash management: Safeguard petty cash funds, maintain a petty cash register, and reconcile funds daily.
• Other duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by Country Office Leadership and collaborate with team members to ensure safe program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary level education in Finance, Business Administration, Accountancy, Public Administration, or related fields, along with five years of relevant work experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned fields with two years of relevant work experience. Relevant experience in finance, including accounts receivable and payable, general ledger maintenance, and familiarity with Quantum/ERP systems is advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google-based systems is required, along with strong written and oral communication skills. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to organize effectively, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy.

Educational Background:
The position requires completed secondary level education in Finance, Business Administration, Accountancy, Public Administration, or related fields. A Bachelor’s degree in these areas is preferred, especially for candidates with less work experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in financial principles and practices relevant to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant work experience in finance, particularly in areas such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger maintenance. Experience with Quantum/ERP systems is a plus. The required experience level varies based on educational qualifications, with five years of experience needed for those with secondary education and two years for those with a Bachelor’s degree.

Languages:
Fluency in Nepali and English, both oral and written, is mandatory. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse UNFPA environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation, regardless of personal characteristics.