Senior Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing assistance and protection to millions of displaced people worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance, advocating for the rights of refugees, and finding durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Assistant position is a critical role within UNHCR, primarily responsible for assisting in the processing of financial transactions and maintaining financial records for various projects or office accounts. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a more senior finance colleague, who will provide guidance and define work objectives. The role requires frequent interaction with staff at different levels within the organization and with bank officials to exchange vital information. The Senior Finance Assistant is expected to uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while performing their duties. This position is essential for ensuring that financial operations run smoothly and efficiently, contributing to the overall mission of UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Finance Assistant include maintaining financial records for assigned projects or office accounts, recording receipts and payments, ensuring the accuracy of computations, and maintaining the status of allotments against obligations. The incumbent will prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting any issues related to excess costs or lower-than-expected receipts. Additionally, the Senior Finance Assistant will prepare special reports as needed, calculate cost estimates, assist in budget preparation, and maintain correspondence with local banks regarding office bank accounts. The role also involves briefing and assisting new staff on financial procedures, initiating correspondence to verify data, and addressing queries related to financial transactions. Furthermore, the incumbent will support risk management efforts and ensure that decision-making is informed by risk assessments in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include proficiency in financial management, accounting, and business administration. The candidate should possess strong IT skills, particularly in using ERP financial management systems such as SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, or Workday, as well as Microsoft Office productivity software. The ability to interpret and apply UNHCR’s financial and administrative rules accurately is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance. Certifications in accounting or finance are considered essential for this position, and familiarity with UNHCR's Learning Program is advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in financial operations, particularly in complex institutional environments. Experience in processing and monitoring financial transactions, working with banks, and managing office accounts is essential. Familiarity with vendor performance monitoring, contract management, and logistics coordination will be beneficial. The candidate should also have experience briefing colleagues on financial and administrative procedures and be able to manage competing priorities effectively.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is necessary, and knowledge of the local language is advantageous. The expected overall ability in the required languages should be at least at the B2 level.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the General Service category at the GS5 grade level. It is a regular assignment with a target start date of October 1, 202

• The position is full-time and is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The role is subject to the organization's policies and procedures, including adherence to UNHCR's commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment. The position does not require functional clearance.