FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SECTION HEAD (HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by NATO, specifically the Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Naples (HQ JFCNP). NATO was established in 1949 and is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 31 member countries. The organization aims to ensure the freedom and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of its members through political and military means. HQ JFCNP plays a crucial role in planning, preparing, and conducting operations across various domains, supporting NATO's core tasks at the Joint Operational level. The command integrates allocated forces and synchronizes activities to achieve operational objectives, maintaining situational awareness and leading contingency planning. It also provides support to NATO operations and can command Joint Task Forces within or beyond SACEUR's Area of Responsibility. The Finance Directorate (J8) within NATO is responsible for managing budgets, financial advice, and internal financial control functions, ensuring compliance with NATO Financial Regulations and procedures.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Accounting Section Head is responsible for overseeing the Finance and Accounting HQ Support Section, which manages and records all financial transactions related to Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Disbursing, Travel, Payroll, Fixed Assets, and Inventory for the headquarters. The incumbent will actively participate in establishing finance and accounting policies, coordinate routine finance matters with other divisions, and ensure compliance with appropriation and contract authorities. The role requires the incumbent to authorize expenditures, validate payrolls, maintain financial accounts, prepare commitment reports, and respond to formal inquiries. The position also involves legal and budget authority, allowing the incumbent to commit the organization to funding obligations and adjust work priorities within the section. The employee may be required to perform similar duties elsewhere within the organization and undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent's duties include overseeing operations related to the Finance and Accounting HQ Support Section, managing financial transactions, establishing finance policies, coordinating with other HQ divisions, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, authorizing expenditures and payments, controlling payrolls, maintaining financial accounts, preparing commitment reports, managing reimbursable activities, overseeing travel fiscal activities, coordinating end-of-year procedures, assisting in financial statement preparation, contributing to audit processes, processing adjustment journals, and participating in project teams. The incumbent is legally accountable for financial transactions and has delegated authority to commit the organization to funding obligations. The role also involves participation in various working groups and committees.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline with at least 2 years of function-related experience. Alternatively, candidates with Higher Secondary education and advanced vocational training leading to professional accreditation must have 4 years of post-related experience. Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle EBS or SAP and advanced knowledge of MS Excel are essential. Candidates must demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to use financial software and ERP systems. Strong communication and organizational skills are also required, along with the ability to work effectively in a team and establish productive work relationships.

Educational Background:
A University Degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to professional qualifications are also eligible, provided they have the requisite experience. Advanced university degrees such as MS, MA, MBA, MPA, or equivalent in relevant fields are desirable, as well as professional accounting certifications from recognized bodies.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience as an accountant or finance officer in major international or multi-national organizations. Experience in managing or mentoring accounting teams is preferred. Familiarity with automated financial systems used in NATO military headquarters and a thorough understanding of NATO financial regulations and procedures are advantageous. At least 2 years of experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is also desirable, along with progress towards professional accounting certification from recognized bodies.

Languages:
English is mandatory, with a required proficiency level of SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing). The work is conducted mainly in English, both orally and in writing. Italian language skills at level 3322 are desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will receive a three-year definite duration contract, which may be followed by an indefinite duration contract. NATO-serving staff members will be offered a contract in accordance with NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. The basic entry-level monthly salary for a NATO Grade G15 in Italy is Euro 5,879.80, subject to allowances based on eligibility and approximately 20% withholding for pension and medical insurance contributions. Candidates must be nationals of a NATO member country, aged between 21 and 60 at the time of appointment, and eligible for NATO security clearance. The position may require deployments in support of military operations and exercises, with normal working conditions applying.