Finance & Budget Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance & Budget Officer
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date: 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Finance Division of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance, and Budget (OPPFB), which is part of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy, and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The Finance Division is tasked with the critical responsibility of accounting for and reporting on the utilization of United Nations financial resources to the appropriate authorities. The Financial Reporting Service within this division primarily prepares IPSAS-compliant financial statements for all funding sources, ensuring the sustainability of IPSAS-compliant accounting and reporting. The Financial Analytics & Reporting Section plays a vital role in analyzing financial data, reconciling accounts, and coordinating global oversight and support for financial accounting-related activities to maintain a robust enterprise system. This organization is dedicated to maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and it emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity and gender balance in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Finance & Budget Officer is expected to perform a variety of functions related to budget preparation and administration, as well as finance management. The officer will review and analyze data concerning the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, which includes both staff and non-staff requirements from various departments and offices at Headquarters and in the field, particularly in relation to medium-sized peacekeeping operations. The role involves providing support to managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions and ensuring that all requisitions for goods and services are charged correctly. The officer will also monitor budget implementation, determine the need for fund reallocations, and ensure that expenditures remain within authorized levels. Furthermore, the officer will analyze accounts, review financial reports, and ensure compliance with financial regulations and rules. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues related to financial transactions and ensuring that accurate accounting and reporting systems are in place. The Finance & Budget Officer will also be responsible for providing training and guidance on financial regulations and processes, thereby contributing to the overall financial health and accountability of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance & Budget Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing and analyzing data for budget preparation, providing support to managers for resource requirements, monitoring budget implementation, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The officer will also be tasked with reviewing requisitions for goods and services, administering extra-budgetary resources, preparing documentation for budget performance submissions, and analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. In addition, the officer will analyze accounts, review financial reports, and ensure that all relevant records are maintained. The role requires the officer to provide training and guidance on financial regulations, monitor transactions recorded in the accounting system, and participate in the development of accounting policies. The officer will also be responsible for responding to audit findings and providing information needed for audits, ensuring that the organization adheres to the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of accounting principles, procedures, and standards, along with the ability to apply conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills in accounting operations. The role requires the ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and formulate options and recommendations. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter, with a commitment to meeting deadlines and achieving results. The ability to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also essential. Strong planning and organizational skills are required, along with a sense of accountability and ownership of responsibilities. Candidates must be able to work efficiently and effectively in a team environment, demonstrating leadership and supervisory skills as needed.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage, as it aligns with the organization's focus on data-driven decision-making and financial analysis.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, or a related area. This experience should include complex bank reconciliations involving a large volume of transactions, as well as reviewing, investigating, and clearing financial accounting transactions. Experience in preparing financial statements and correcting accounting errors is also required. Candidates should have experience applying private sector or public sector accounting standards, such as IFRS or IPSAS. Familiarity with SAP Financial Accounting or an equivalent ERP system is desirable, particularly in relation to bank reconciliations. Additionally, two or more years of experience in developing data models and performing data analysis is advantageous, as it enhances the candidate's ability to contribute to the organization's financial analytics capabilities.

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, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by Extra Budgetary Funds, and the appointment and renewal are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The initial appointment is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity and gender balance in its workforce, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated fairly and equitably.