Senior Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Advertisement

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in 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 Financial Reporting Service within this office is primarily responsible for preparing IPSAS-compliant financial statements for all funding sources, ensuring the sustainability of IPSAS-compliant accounting and reporting. The organization aims to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, while promoting gender equality and diversity in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial management and budgetary processes of the United Nations. This position involves a variety of responsibilities including acting as a Certifying Officer, preparing and analyzing budget proposals, monitoring budget implementation, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The role requires a deep understanding of financial rules and regulations, as well as the ability to analyze complex financial data to support decision-making. The assistant will work closely with program managers and higher-level finance officers to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively and in accordance with the organization's mandates. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting and ensuring that the organization's financial practices align with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: acting as Certifying Officers in the absence of program managers, reviewing and preparing program plans and budget proposals, assisting in the finalization of cost estimates, monitoring budget implementation and expenditures, reviewing requisitions for goods and services, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, the assistant will analyze complex accounting transactions, audit various financial transactions, assist in the year-end closing process, prepare financial statements, and provide guidance and training to staff. The role also involves drafting correspondence, keeping up to date with financial regulations, and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of ten 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 eight years. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with investment operations, particularly related to Fixed Income instruments, is essential. Experience with investment management systems or SWIFT is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations within the UN context.

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 may have their experience requirement reduced, indicating that higher education is valued and can enhance a candidate's eligibility for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten 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 may qualify with eight years of experience, reflecting the organization's recognition of higher education as a significant asset in the finance and budget domain.

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, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of the post or funds. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York City. 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 that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.