Senior Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, aiming to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission is to provide services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike, fostering international cooperation and understanding.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Associate position at IOM Bulgaria is a critical role that involves overseeing the financial and administrative implementation of IOM Sofia's programs. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Resource Management Officer and the overall supervision of the Head of Office. This role is essential for ensuring compliance with IOM's financial policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements, particularly in relation to AMIF projects funded by the Bulgarian Shared Management Funds. The position requires a strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and reporting, as well as the ability to provide specialized advice and support to project managers and senior management. The Senior Finance Associate will be responsible for preparing various financial reports, managing financial resources, and ensuring that all financial transactions are properly authorized and documented. This position is local, meaning that only candidates with a valid residence and work permit in Bulgaria will be considered.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Finance Associate include, but are not limited to: preparing budgets, accounting, financial, and statistical reports as required; managing financial resources by monitoring and controlling reserves, funds, and supplies in accordance with IOM rules and regulations; providing specialized advice and support to Project Managers and the Head of Office on financial and administrative matters; preparing annual budget submissions and revisions, including estimating costs for staff, rental, utilities, office equipment, and running expenses; monitoring compliance with financial policies and procedures; consolidating data into financial statements; assisting in monitoring expenditures to ensure they remain within authorized levels; providing regular and ad hoc financial information to support informed decision-making; preparing quarterly project reports for donors; ensuring bank reconciliations are performed and reviewed; ensuring disbursements are made based on proper authorizations; preparing draft responses to donor and audit queries; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma with seven years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field with five years of relevant professional experience. Candidates must have knowledge of Bulgarian tax and accounting legislation, experience with the National Revenue Agency (NRA), banking institutions, and other Bulgarian state institutions, as well as experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and proficiency in MS Excel. Prior experience working on EU-funded programs/projects is essential, and experience with international humanitarian organizations or Bulgarian government institutions is an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, organizational skills, discretion, and a willingness to learn.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with seven years of relevant experience or a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited university listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in financial principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the regulatory environment in which IOM operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a bachelor's degree, or seven years for those with a high school diploma. Candidates should have experience in financial management, particularly in relation to EU-funded programs and projects, and familiarity with the financial regulations and practices in Bulgaria. Experience working in a multicultural environment and with international organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Bulgarian (oral and written) is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for coordinating with various stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of IOM's official languages, which include French and Spanish, is considered an asset and may be evaluated during the selection process through written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Bulgaria will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon the candidate's medical fitness for the role, verification of residency, and any necessary government authorizations. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system. Candidates are encouraged to visit the IOM Careers website for further information and other job postings.