Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The organization plays a crucial role in the global effort to eradicate hunger and poverty, aligning its initiatives with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Finance Specialist position at FAO is integral to the organization's financial operations, particularly in delivering financial services to FAO Decentralized Offices. The role involves a variety of financial administration tasks, including invoice processing, transaction monitoring, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The Finance Specialist will work closely with the Finance Unit team and report directly to the Finance Officer, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations within the organization. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in financial processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including acting as a primary contact for financial matters related to invoice booking and payments for the Central Support Facility (CSF) and Decentralized Offices. Key duties include performing routine financial administration tasks, such as calculating and inputting financial data, monitoring workload and task progress, verifying data accuracy, and investigating discrepancies. The specialist will assist in reviewing transactions, support senior colleagues in liaising with corporate banks regarding payment issues, and draft correspondence to address queries. Additionally, the role involves creating and maintaining standard operating procedures, providing guidance to managers and staff, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing and implementing new financial process automations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary school education and have at least four years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, cash management, or asset management support work. A working knowledge of English at level C is required, and candidates must be nationals of Hungary or residents with a valid work permit. The role demands a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations, accounting policies, and familiarity with ERP corporate financial systems. Knowledge of MS Office applications and Oracle ERP or similar systems is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. However, additional qualifications in finance, accounting, or related fields would be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, cash management, or asset management. This experience should include practical knowledge of financial administration and transaction processing, as well as familiarity with financial regulations and procedures.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish would be considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic work environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and service excellence. The FAO offers a collaborative work culture and opportunities for professional development, making it an attractive workplace for individuals passionate about contributing to global food security and sustainable agricultural practices.