Accounting Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Accounting Assistant
Location: Vienna
Country: Austria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Accounts Section (AS) of the Financial Resources Management Service (FRMS) of the United Nations. The UN is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various global issues. The UN aims to foster international collaboration to address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, and it emphasizes the importance of human rights and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Accounting Assistant will play a crucial role in the financial operations of the UN, working under the supervision of an Accountant or a more senior Accounting Assistant. The position involves reconciling accounting transactions, examining and recording financial transactions, and reviewing bank statements to ensure accuracy. The assistant will also be responsible for processing payments, settling staff entitlements, and preparing documentation for various offices. This role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles and the ability to analyze and present data effectively. The Accounting Assistant will assist in knowledge management and decision-making processes, contributing to the overall efficiency of the financial management service.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accounting Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Reconciling accounting transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with UN policies.
• Examining and recording financial transactions related to Information Centres.
• Reviewing bank statements for all funds in foreign and local currencies, comparing them with accounting reports, and addressing discrepancies.
• Assisting in processing payments due and settling staff entitlements, including verifying personnel action forms and processing payment vouchers.
• Preparing necessary documentation for distribution to various offices and departments.
• Collecting and analyzing data for reports and presentations, responding to queries, and supporting knowledge management efforts.
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures.
• Performing other work-related duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to assist in various tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with coursework or training in accounting methods and procedures being desirable. A strong understanding of accounting policies and practices is essential, along with the ability to maintain accurate records and interpret data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate initiative and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, coursework or training in accounting methods and procedures is highly desirable. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for the accounting tasks and responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in accounting, finance, or related fields is required. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to one year. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, is essential. Experience with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) applications, preferably SAP, is also desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to perform the required tasks efficiently.

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 United Nations official language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. Candidates 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 initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging female candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.