Senior Accounting Assistant

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Position Title: Senior Accounting Assistant
Location: Laayoune
Country: Western Sahara
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which is tasked with overseeing the referendum process in Western Sahara. The mission aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensure the rights of the people of Western Sahara are respected. The organization operates under the principles of the United Nations, focusing on maintaining international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. MINURSO has been established since 1991 and employs a diverse workforce across various functions, contributing to the mission's objectives in the region.

Job Overview:
The Senior Accounting Assistant will play a crucial role in the financial management of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. Reporting to the Chief Finance and Budget Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for budget management, accounting operations, and treasury functions. This position requires a strong understanding of financial regulations and the ability to analyze complex financial data. The role involves preparing budget proposals, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. The incumbent will also be expected to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective budget implementation. The position demands a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Accounting Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing and analyzing budget proposals, advising managers on resource requirements, monitoring budget implementation, preparing budget performance reports, completing monthly mission accounts, preparing Monthly Mission Reports (MMR), performing yearly account closures, analyzing unusual accounting transactions, managing suspense accounts, verifying banking details for payments, processing staff and vendor payments, entering commitments in the ERP system, and supervising General Service or National Staff as required. Additionally, the incumbent will generate and approve cash payments, issue Cash Receipt Vouchers, reconcile cash imprest, assist in data collection and analysis, and prepare data presentations and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. However, those with a first-level university degree will have their minimum experience requirement reduced to eight years. A good knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is desirable, particularly familiarity with the Umoja system. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial regulations and accounting practices, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data effectively.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree will have a reduced experience requirement, highlighting the importance of formal education in financial management and accounting.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, and financial management or a related field. Experience in budget formulation, financial monitoring, accounting, audit, and financial reporting is desirable. Candidates should provide examples of their experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, and any relevant experience in data analytics and reporting processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French and Arabic is desirable, and proficiency in another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Laayoune. Those selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Local recruits are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization maintains a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.