Accounting Assistant/Finance Associate at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Responsibilities

•  Scrutinizes source documents for completeness, accuracy and validity of charges.   Investigates erroneous charges and takes appropriate corrective accounting actions. Communicates with field offices regarding missing documentation or any other issues related to discrepancies between their accounts and those maintained at Headquarters. Reconciles and reviews suspense accounts and ensure proper clearance procedures have been followed.   Extracts details of income, expenditure, assets and liability from accounting system in order to analyze and verify accuracy and validity. Consolidates data into financial statements. Assists with the monitoring of expenditures to ensures they remain within authorized levels. Examines the validity of requests for increases in imprest levels; prepares disbursement vouchers to replenish imprest accounts. Prepares worksheets and assists with the preparation of financial statements. Audits various accounting transactions, e.g., payroll, education grants, final payments, income tax returns, travel claims, etc., to ensure correctness of disbursements and adherence to relevant staff rules, financial regulations and rules, ST/AI issuances or practices. Serves as Approving Officer for disbursements up to an authorized level. Provides guidance and training to colleagues as required.   Supervises other General Service staff as required.   Drafts/prepares communication to various offices, departments and overseas offices. Responds to queries from staff members and third parties. Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. Performs other duties as may be required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM:    Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment; ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret a wide variety of data and ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems:  Able to perform analysis, modelling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making and ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements and demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results and is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.  
• ACCOUNTABILITY:    Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments and delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.  
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

• Completion of secondary education or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting or related field is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Relevant training in the field of accounting, finance and business administration is desirable.    

Work Experience

• A minimum of Seven (7) years’ experience in accounting and bookkeeping, budgeting, administrative services, or related areas is for candidates who possess Secondary School certification is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to Five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.    Experience working with Microsoft Office applications is required.    Experience in using web-based or integrated information management systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is desirable.    One (1) year of experience within the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable.    One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.