Accounts Analyst

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Accounts Analyst
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality, diversity, and the empowerment of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to accelerate progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on transformative results that address the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Overview:
The Accounts Analyst position is situated within the Statutory Reporting Unit (SRU) of the Finance Branch at UNFPA. This role is critical for ensuring compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and involves supporting the transition to new IPSAS standards. The Accounts Analyst will work closely with the Head of SRU and other finance professionals to strengthen UNFPA's financial policies and systems, prepare IPSAS-compliant financial statements, and coordinate annual accounts closure. The position requires a proactive approach to research and analysis of IPSAS impacts, development of gap analyses, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of financial reporting standards. The incumbent will also engage with auditors and contribute to the preparation of statutory and management reports, thereby playing a vital role in enhancing the financial integrity of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accounts Analyst will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• IPSAS Compliance: Researching new IPSAS standards and exposure drafts, analyzing their potential impacts on UNFPA's accounting policies, systems, and reports. Drafting technical analysis papers to communicate these impacts and engaging with colleagues in sister UN Agencies for a unified approach to IPSAS adoption. Supporting the development of a transition plan for the adoption of new IPSAS standards and updating accounting policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Accounts Closure and Reporting: Participating in the preparation of UNFPA’s financial statements, drafting assigned statements, notes, and schedules, and ensuring data accuracy and compliance with IPSAS. Liaising with auditors, preparing responses to queries, and implementing quality assurance activities over financial statements.
• Implementation of New Systems: Actively participating in the design and implementation of new systems and tools related to IPSAS adoption, including user acceptance testing and training. Providing guidance and support to users in financial management matters related to IPSAS and accounts closure.
• Other Duties: Performing additional tasks as required by the Supervisor or UNFPA leadership, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Finance Branch.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in accounting, financial reporting, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized accounting body, such as Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant, is a distinct advantage. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in accounting or financial reporting, with demonstrated experience in preparing financial statements, conducting financial data analysis, and performing account reconciliations. A sound understanding of IPSAS or IFRS is essential, along with experience in financial modules of ERP systems, preferably Oracle-based products. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent presentation and writing abilities, are also required. Experience in drafting accounting policies is considered a significant advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in accounting, financial reporting, or a related field. Candidates with a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized accounting body, such as Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant, will have a competitive edge in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in accounting or financial reporting. Candidates should have a proven track record in preparing financial statements, conducting financial data analysis, and performing account reconciliations. Familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS standards is crucial, as is experience with ERP systems, particularly those that are Oracle-based. The role demands strong analytical skills and the ability to translate business requirements into logical systems specifications, as well as experience in drafting accounting policies, which is a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French, is desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile.

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