Finance Associate at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Job Specific Context

• This position operates within the Finance Group, contributing to the preparation of financial statements, financial oversight and monitoring, financial transaction processing, and capacity building/system improvement. The role is essential to ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of financial reporting in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations

Role Purpose

• The Finance Associate provides support in the preparation of financial statements, financial oversight and monitoring, financial transaction processing, and capacity building/system improvement. The Finance Associate ensures compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

CORPORATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS and Audit

• Provide support in the preparation of interim and year-end corporate financial statements, supporting schedules and notes to the financial statements.
• Support in preparation of data consolidation and preparation of working files and tables for financial statements.
• Provide support to the audit focal person during audits.
•  Assist in maintaining log off on both Internal and External audit recommendations and draw useful data for analysis.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING

• Coordination and monitoring of quarterly and year-end financial closure processes.
• Review reconciliation submissions and account balances to ensure recording and reporting compliance in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.
•  Perform working files and analysis of data in General Ledger (GL) concerning different accounts.
• Communication with internal stakeholders on areas requiring verification, corrections, additional information, etc. to improve quality of output and/or account submission.
• Review of finance data in General Ledger for completeness, accuracy, and correctness of account entries in relevant areas of focus.
• Exercise periodic monitoring and oversight on transactions and account balances in respective areas to ensure recording and reporting is made in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining a strong control environment around financial reporting.
• Support maintenance a log of issues identified, collect and update data to consolidate and complete the issue log.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTION PROCESSING

• Support in reviewing financial transactions related to grants advances and expenses.
• Assist in reviewing data for Inventory submission before processing transactions to capitalize on a periodic basis.
• Raise transactions in UNOPS ERP as and when needed.

CAPACITY BUILDING / SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

• Support process documentation and continuous improvements in the corporate system (PQMS).
• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data based on lessons learned.
• Become a subject matter expert for the Financial Reporting requirements in the UNOPS ERP system (OneUNOPS).
• Contribute to the development of innovative solutions to optimize financial processes and reduce manual work.

Skills

• Auditing, Financial Analysis, Financial Reporting, General Ledger, Process Improvement

Competencies

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR
• A university degree (Bachelor or Master’s), or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field with 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• Professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) is an asset.

Required

• Relevant experience in finance and accounting, including experience with financial statement preparation, general ledger accounting, and audit support is required. 

Desired

• Experience with OneUNOPS is desirable. 
• Experience working in an international organization or the UN system is an asset.