Financial Reporting Specialist

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Position Title: Financial Reporting Specialist
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that supports staff growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Financial Reporting Specialist role is crucial in supporting UNICEF's financial reporting function. The incumbent will oversee compliance across all divisions regarding revenue and contributions, manage complex financing initiatives, and ensure accurate accounting for procurement arrangements and trust funds. This position requires a strong understanding of IPSAS policies and procedures, as well as the ability to provide inputs for quarterly reports and financial statements. The role also involves leading strategic projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance financial reporting and internal controls.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain procedures and controls for accounting complex revenue transactions and innovative financing instruments.
• Prepare IPSAS accounting position papers for new standards and agreements, coordinating with various divisions.
• Review and approve accounting adjustment journals for complex areas, ensuring accurate financial statements and donor reporting.
• Coordinate with HQ divisions to ensure corporate reports reflect accurate revenue and procurement transactions.
• Work with ICTD to address system deficiencies and develop new system requirements for revenue management.
• Support periodic financial closure activities and ensure accurate reconciliation of records.
• Assist in preparing year-end financial statements and corporate reports.
• Develop management reporting tools and key performance indicators.
• Provide expertise on IPSAS for complex business transactions and oversee documentation of the Accounting Manual. 1
• Lead special projects to identify best practices in accounting and financial control. 1
• Perform additional accounting tasks as assigned by the Chief, Financial Reporting.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in Finance or Accounting, with a valid professional certification (CA, CPA, ACCA, etc.) is required. A first-level university degree with a professional certification and seven years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in Financial Reporting or Accounting at national and international levels is required. Knowledge of ERP systems, particularly SAP, and IPSAS or IFRS is essential. Previous experience in an international organization is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or higher) in Finance or Accounting. A valid professional certification as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with a professional certification and seven years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in Financial Reporting, Accounting, or related fields at both national and international levels. Candidates should have a strong background in financial management and reporting, with experience in complex financial environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English (verbal and written) is mandatory. Proficiency in French is highly desirable, and knowledge of an additional UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New York and may involve international mobility. UNICEF emphasizes a diverse workforce and offers flexible working arrangements. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.