Finance and Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Financial Reporting and Analytic Service, part of the Finance Division of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), which is under the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The Finance Division is responsible for accounting and reporting on the use of UN financial resources, ensuring compliance with IPSAS standards. The Financial Reporting and Analytics Service prepares IPSAS-compliant financial statements and supports financial accounting activities globally. The organization aims to maintain transparency and accountability in financial operations across various funding sources.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer plays a critical role in the coordination of financial activities, ensuring that the financial resources of the United Nations are managed effectively and in compliance with established regulations. This position involves reviewing and finalizing program plans and budget proposals, ensuring that legislative mandates are accurately reflected in program budgets. The officer will provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies during budget reviews and will be responsible for budget administration, including monitoring expenditures and managing extra-budgetary resources. The role requires a strong understanding of financial operations, accounting principles, and the ability to analyze financial data to support decision-making processes. The Finance and Budget Officer will also be involved in preparing financial reports, managing financial operations, and providing guidance to staff on financial policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: reviewing and finalizing program plans and budget proposals; ensuring compliance with legislative mandates; managing budget implementation and reallocating funds as necessary; monitoring expenditures; administering extra-budgetary resources; preparing budget performance submissions and reports; managing financial operations across multiple funding sources; analyzing accounts and preparing financial reports; ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations; providing training and guidance to staff; participating in inter-departmental meetings; drafting reports and official documentation; and conducting research and analysis on financial policies. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial systems and controls, and may supervise the work of assigned staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, and standards. They should demonstrate the ability to apply analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operations, conduct independent research, and analyze data to support decision-making. The ideal candidate will show professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. They should also be able to develop clear goals, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively. Continuous learning and a willingness to seek feedback for improvement are essential qualities for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, budget, and administration is required. Candidates should have experience in applying accounting standards such as IFRS or IPSAS, preparing audited financial statements, and working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Additionally, experience in financial reporting and data analytics tools, analyzing audit observations, and developing accounting policies is essential. Desirable experience includes supporting a broad user community with accounting for various asset types and involvement in business process analysis and financial systems testing.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by extra-budgetary funding and is initially for a period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to strict standards of integrity and professionalism in its recruitment process. Staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.