Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide comprehensive operational support, advisory services, and solutions to various operating entities across the United Nations Secretariat. This includes departments, offices away from headquarters, peace operations, and regional commissions. The Division of Administration, located in New York, is responsible for delivering administrative support functions such as human resources, budget, finance, and general administration, as well as facility management and commercial services to entities at United Nations Headquarters. The Division also provides financial operational services globally. As part of the Common Administrative Platform, the Division includes the OneEO, the Financial Operations Service (which encompasses OnePayroll), and the Facilities and Commercial Activities Service. The OneEO Client Desk 4 supports a variety of UN bodies, including the ACABQ, BOA, CEB, Ethics Office, EOSG, and many others. This position is situated within the OneEO Client Desk 4, Division of Administration, DOS, in New York, and reports to the Senior Finance and Budget Officer through the Senior Finance and Budget Assistant.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial operations of the United Nations, particularly within the Department of Operational Support. The primary functions of this position include managing budgetary responsibilities, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and policies. The Finance Assistant will act as a Certifying Officer in the absence of program managers, prepare interim and final financial statements for trust fund contributions, and assist in the preparation of budget performance submissions. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring expenditures, reviewing requisitions, and ensuring the integrity of financial databases. The Finance Assistant will also be responsible for drafting correspondence related to financial matters, maintaining up-to-date files, and providing guidance and training to other staff members. This position demands a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: acting as Certifying Officer on behalf of program managers, preparing financial statements for trust fund contributions, assisting in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, reviewing requisitions for goods and services, preparing budget performance submissions, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The role also involves maintaining financial databases, verifying data accuracy, coordinating with other finance staff, drafting correspondence, and providing guidance and training to general service staff. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will assist in data collection and analysis, preparation of presentations and reports, and updating information materials such as web pages or client portals. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with the Finance Module and Grants Management Module in Umoja or a similar ERP system is essential. Candidates should also have experience in data analytics or related areas, as well as in the administration and management of extra-budgetary resources. Strong knowledge of financial rules and regulations in the UN environment is crucial, along with the ability to analyze and format data across various finance and budget functions.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have their relevant experience requirement reduced, indicating that higher education is valued and can lead to a more competitive application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the required experience is reduced to five years. Experience with financial modules in ERP systems, particularly the Finance Module and Grants Management Module in Umoja, is mandatory. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field is desirable, as is experience in managing extra-budgetary resources.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French could be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for a duration of one year, subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that this position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Those selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. Additionally, applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.