Finance Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance Assistant
Location: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, normative support, technical assistance, and capacity building to address the development priorities and changing needs of the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and integration.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is located within the Financial Operations Unit of the Financial Management and Operational Support Section, Division of Administration at ESCAP. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Financial Operations Unit and will be responsible for a variety of financial functions. These include supporting the review and preparation of the medium-term plan and budget proposals, monitoring expenditures, preparing budget performance submissions, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The role requires a strong understanding of financial management principles, the ability to analyze and interpret financial data, and the capacity to work collaboratively with other finance and budget staff. The Finance Assistant will also be involved in claims processing, treasury operations, and general financial administration, ensuring that all financial activities align with the United Nations policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will perform a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the review, analysis, and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.
• Preparing supporting documents for budget proposals, including cost estimates and resource requirements.
• Assisting managers in budget submissions and monitoring expenditures against approved budgets.
• Reviewing requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct expenditure charges and availability of funds.
• Preparing budget performance submissions and analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitoring the integrity of financial databases and verifying the accuracy of input data.
• Reviewing and preparing payments to third parties and commercial entities.
• Assisting in cash management and investment issues, including cash flow forecasts.
• Drafting correspondence related to financial matters and maintaining up-to-date files. 1
• Providing guidance and training to other general service staff as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Experience in the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable, along with familiarity with financial policies and processes of the UN. Knowledge of International Public Services Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, preferably SAP, are also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered in lieu of two years of required experience, indicating that higher education can substitute for some practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, or related areas. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, the required experience is reduced to five years. Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the UN's financial policies and processes. Candidates should also have experience with IPSAS and ERP systems, particularly SAP, which is relevant to disbursement and banking detail maintenance.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Thailand. 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 emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity in its recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated fairly based on their qualifications and organizational needs.