Senior Accounting Associate (Travel)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM operates in over 100 countries and has a workforce of more than 17,000 employees. The organization focuses on providing services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM is committed to the principles of inclusion, respect for diversity, and integrity, and aims to uphold high ethical standards in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Accounting Associate (Travel) will play a crucial role in the financial operations of the IOM, specifically focusing on the processing of travel claims across various regions. This position requires a strong understanding of IOM Travel Rules and Regulations, as the successful candidate will be responsible for supervising the Travel Claims Assistants and ensuring compliance with established policies. The role involves acting as a liaison between regional offices and headquarters, providing guidance and support on travel claims and related financial matters. The candidate will also be expected to maintain monitoring files, prepare internal reports, and participate in process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of travel claims processing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate the work of Travel Claims Assistants, ensuring they receive adequate training and support.
• Allocate workloads and monitor performance to guarantee timely and accurate processing of travel claims.
• Act as the primary contact for regional offices, providing guidance and resolving queries related to travel claims.
• Approve travel expense claims from various offices, ensuring compliance with IOM policies.
• Prepare and generate invoices based on validated travel data, reviewing for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain monitoring files for assigned regions, providing daily updates to the supervisor.
• Track outstanding travel claims and advances, ensuring timely liquidation.
• Prepare internal reports and statistics for management and audits.
• Participate in the development and update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for travel claims processing. 1
• Recommend improvements to strengthen internal controls and reduce fraud risks. 1
• Train and mentor new staff and interns on travel claims procedures. 1
• Conduct workshops on IOM travel policies and the use of the Online Travel Application module. 1
• Manage the GGSC Travel Claims mailbox and collaborate with the Travel Application Development Team on technical issues.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, or a relevant field from an accredited institution, with four years of relevant professional experience in accounting or finance.
• Alternatively, a school diploma with six years of relevant experience may be considered.
• Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of accounting systems, particularly Oracle, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Supervisory experience in finance or accounting functions is essential.
• Experience in international organizations or shared service centers is preferred, with audit experience being an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A school diploma with six years of relevant experience may also be acceptable. Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA) or an equivalent certification is considered advantageous for this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in accounting systems, particularly Oracle, and a solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, and audit/review procedures. Supervisory experience in finance or accounting functions is crucial, as the candidate will be responsible for overseeing a team. Experience working in international organizations or shared service centers is preferred, and audit experience is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a plus, particularly languages relevant to the regions served by IOM, as this may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and any offer made to the candidate will depend on this. The selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment is contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, and compliance with residency or visa requirements, as well as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.