Finance Associate

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance Associate
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Finance Associate position is part of the Finance Branch, Division for Management Services, located in the Nairobi Service Center, Kenya. The Finance Branch is responsible for global finance and accounting, providing guidance and oversight for financial management to country, regional, and headquarters offices. The organization focuses on advancing key financial policies and processes, including accounts payable, statutory and donor reporting, and ensuring the ERP and related systems are configured to implement, manage, and report on key financial processes. UNFPA, the organization behind this position, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Their strategic plan (2022-2025) emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, while addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate role is crucial for providing guidance and support to UNFPA Nairobi-based headquarters units in accounting and financial operations. This position is integral to the internal control framework for HQ payment processing. The Finance Associate will review supporting documents and process payments in accordance with UNFPA policy, including managing implementing partner advances, operational payments, journal entries, and petty cash for the Nairobi Service Center. The role also involves maintaining positive relationships with key partners and facilitating financial training and knowledge transfers within the organization. The Finance Associate will contribute to the global financial management community and ensure effective and transparent management of financial resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnerships, knowledge management, communication, and training: Actively participate in Finance Branch and team meetings, cultivate relationships with key partners, provide financial training, and facilitate knowledge transfers.
• Business continuity activities: Conduct fiduciary reviews of accounts payable requests, prepare and submit invoices, review General Ledger Journal entries, and manage petty cash.
• Support and guidance on financial management: Provide guidance on Accounts Payable processes and monitor fund codes.
• Accounting, period end, and year-end closure activities: Analyze and correct general ledger accounts related to payables.
• Reporting and information management: Monitor financial data integrity, prepare financial information for audits.
• Business process and systems efficiency: Analyze reports to identify payment issues and propose improvements.
• Other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Completed Secondary Level Education is required. A part-qualified Professional Accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CA) or a first-level bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration is desirable. Candidates should have 6 years of finance-related work experience, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger maintenance. Experience with IPSAS or IFRS is advantageous. Proficiency in spreadsheets, word processing, and computerized accounting systems (preferably Oracle Cloud) is essential. Strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are necessary. Dedication to UN principles and the ability to work harmoniously with diverse individuals are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed Secondary Level Education. A part-qualified Professional Accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CA, or a first-level bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration is desirable for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of finance-related work experience, which should include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger maintenance. Experience in applying IPSAS or IFRS would be advantageous, and proficiency in using spreadsheets, word processing, and computerized accounting systems is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.