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

Responsibilities

•  Analyses complex and/or unusual accounting transactions and difficult claims for travel, tax, invoices, entitlements etc. Makes recommendations to Chief of Unit/Section on appropriate follow-up procedures. Reviews and reconciles various clearing accounts to ensure appropriate balances.  Investigates erroneous/invalid entries and takes appropriate corrective accounting action. Audits various accounting transactions, e.g., payroll, education grants, final payments, income tax returns, travel claims, etc., to ensure correctness of disbursement computations and adherence to relevant staff rules, financial regulations, ST/AI issuances or practices.   Reviews completeness of reports and consolidates the accounts of overseas offices on a periodic basis. Prepares worksheets and analyze accounts. Assists in the preparation of financial statements for various funds, e.g., general, peacekeeping, technical co-operation, trust fund, revenue and other special accounts. Approves payment and journal vouchers for various claims/payments, e.g., travel reimbursement, education grants, salary advances, etc., ensuring compliance with relevant rules and control procedures. Provides guidance and training (including the preparation of training materials) to staff at Headquarters and in the field with respect to transaction processing and the use of various ERP systems, tax system. Supervises other general service staff when required.   Drafts/prepares memoranda and responds to queries by staff members, internal and external auditors and from their counterparts in offices away from Headquarters. 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 in the use and application of the Organization’s financial regulations and rules as well as accounting policies and practices.  Ability to extract, interpret, and analyse a wide variety of data and to resolve data discrepancies and other problems. 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; 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.  Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.  
• 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.  
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments.   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.

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 ten (10) 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 Eight (8) 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.