Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance and Budget Assistant
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Financial Reporting Service, which is part of the Finance Division under the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) within the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The Financial Reporting Service is primarily responsible for the preparation of IPSAS-compliant financial statements for all funding sources, ensuring the sustainability of IPSAS-compliant accounting and reporting. The organization is committed to maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and it operates in various countries around the world, focusing on international cooperation and development.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the financial operations of the United Nations. This position involves a variety of tasks related to budget preparation, financial reporting, and compliance with international financial regulations. The assistant will work closely with the Head of the Unit and Finance and Budget Officers to ensure that financial documents are accurate and comply with IPSAS standards. The role requires a strong understanding of financial principles and the ability to analyze and interpret financial data. The assistant will be responsible for monitoring expenditures, preparing budget performance reports, and ensuring that all financial transactions are properly documented and reconciled. This position is essential for maintaining the integrity of the financial reporting process within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: providing support in the review and preparation of programme plans and budget proposals; preparing supporting documents for cost estimates; assisting managers in resource requirement elaboration; conducting research for budget reviews; monitoring expenditures against approved budgets; reviewing requisitions for goods and services; preparing budget performance submissions; ensuring the integrity of financial databases; verifying accuracy of input data; coordinating with finance and budget staff; scrutinizing source documents for completeness and accuracy; investigating erroneous charges; communicating with field offices regarding discrepancies; reconciling suspense accounts; extracting financial data for analysis; consolidating data into financial statements; auditing various accounting transactions; serving as Approving Officer for disbursements; providing guidance and training to colleagues; drafting correspondence; maintaining up-to-date files; assisting with data collection and analysis; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to five years. Proficiency in using an enterprise resource planning system such as SAP in accounting/finance/budget modules is essential, along with experience in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, for preparing financial reports. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within the United Nations framework. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher can qualify with five years of experience. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of experience using an enterprise resource planning system such as SAP, which is vital for managing financial data effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, which may enhance communication and collaboration within the international environment of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is financed by Extra-budgetary funds and is initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. This role is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Those selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to strict standards regarding the recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs.