Senior Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to achieving food security for all. The organization aims to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO's mission emphasizes environmental sustainability as a core component of its strategic objectives and operations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Officer position is based in the FAO Shared Services Centre in Budapest, Hungary, and reports directly to the Chief of the Shared Services Centre. This role is pivotal in ensuring high-quality finance service delivery with a strong focus on client satisfaction. The officer will lead the operations of the Financial Shared Services Teams, ensuring that transaction processing is of the highest quality while fostering a client-focused culture. The position requires the implementation and operationalization of financial policies established by the Finance Division, developing effective systems and procedures to enhance operational efficiency. The Senior Finance Officer will also oversee the delivery of comprehensive training programs to enhance financial capabilities across the organization, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and procedures while adapting service delivery to meet the dynamic needs of both decentralized operations and headquarters. This role involves engaging with various teams within the Finance Division and other departments to coordinate cross-functional initiatives, resolve functional issues, and ensure timely and accurate financial processing. The officer will represent the Shared Services Centre in relevant forums and initiatives, identifying emerging trends and technologies that can improve financial service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance Officer will be responsible for leading the operations of the Financial Shared Services Teams, ensuring high-quality transaction processing while developing a client-focused culture. Key responsibilities include implementing and operationalizing financial policies established by the Finance Division, developing effective systems and procedures to enhance operational efficiency, and supporting the standardization of financial services. The officer will lead, mentor, and supervise diverse teams within the SSC Finance unit, fostering a culture of operational excellence. They will oversee the delivery of comprehensive training programs to enhance financial capabilities across the organization and ensure adherence to financial regulations and procedures. The officer will engage with Finance Division teams and other departments to coordinate cross-functional initiatives, represent the SSC in relevant forums, and perform other related duties as required to support SSC objectives and organizational priorities. Specific functions include directing strategic enhancements, scaling, and technological upgrades of shared financial services, integrating advanced technologies to streamline operations, managing the implementation of digital payment initiatives, establishing effective working relationships with banks and financial institutions, and developing compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, along with ten years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, and/or business analysis. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the same fields, twelve years of relevant experience, and completion of a professional qualification in accountancy (such as CA, CPA, ACCA) or as an investment professional (CFA) is acceptable. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence and success in delivering innovative and cost-effective financial services in complex multicultural environments, possess strong analytical abilities, and have excellent financial problem-solving skills. They should also have extensive experience in financial operations, treasury management, accounts payable/receivable, and digital payment systems within international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may hold a first-level university degree in these fields, provided they also have a professional qualification in accountancy or investment. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management and operations within an international context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, and/or business analysis if they hold an advanced university degree. If they possess a first-level university degree, they should have at least twelve years of relevant experience. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to deliver innovative and cost-effective financial services in complex multicultural environments, as well as extensive experience in financial operations and digital payment systems.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Budapest, Hungary. The FAO Shared Services Centre is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and candidates from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training. The role may involve international collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders across different countries.