Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Financial Reporting Service of the Finance Division, which is part of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) under the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The Financial Reporting Service is primarily tasked with preparing IPSAS-compliant financial statements for all funding sources, ensuring the sustainability of IPSAS-compliant accounting and reporting. The organization aims to uphold the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency in its operations, contributing to the overall mission of the United Nations.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the financial operations of the United Nations by assisting in the preparation and analysis of budget proposals and financial statements. This position requires a strong understanding of financial regulations and procedures within the UN environment. The assistant will work closely with higher-level Finance and Budget Officers, providing essential support in budget reviews and ensuring compliance with established financial guidelines. The role involves monitoring expenditures, preparing budget performance reports, and maintaining the integrity of financial databases. The Finance and Budget Assistant is expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and client orientation in all tasks, contributing to the effective management of financial resources within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: providing support in the review and preparation of programme plans and budget proposals; preparing supporting documents for cost estimates; assisting managers in resource requirement elaboration; conducting research for budget reviews; monitoring expenditures against approved budgets; reviewing requisitions for goods and services; preparing budget performance submissions; ensuring the integrity of financial databases; scrutinizing source documents for accuracy; investigating erroneous charges; communicating with field offices regarding discrepancies; reconciling suspense accounts; extracting financial data for analysis; preparing worksheets for financial statements; auditing accounting transactions; serving as Approving Officer for disbursements; providing guidance and training to colleagues; and assisting with data presentations and reports.

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 experience requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Proficiency in information technology programs related to spreadsheets, databases, and data analysis is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience using an enterprise resource planning system in accounting or finance, with one year or more in data analytics being desirable. Familiarity with the application of Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations or similar organizations is also preferred.

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 a reduced experience requirement, highlighting the importance of formal education in finance or a related field for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Candidates should have substantial experience in using information technology programs for financial analysis and reporting, as well as experience with enterprise resource planning systems in accounting or finance. Experience in data analytics or related areas is considered an asset, as is familiarity with the financial regulations and rules of the United Nations or similar international organizations.

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, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations and is initially for a period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and the availability of funds. The appointment 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 exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.