Overview
The Finance Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and providing accurate financial information for the preparation of financial statements. The role involves analyzing financial regulations and accounting standards, and providing solutions to complex financial issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Regularly review and monitor financial transactions in General Ledger for accuracy and appropriate accounting treatment.
- Monitor and coordinate monthly and quarterly closure of General Ledger modules.
- Prepare quarterly analysis and management reports on General Ledger reconciliations.
- Manage and coordinate automation projects of General Ledger modules.
- Review and approve transactions and provide expert advice on General Ledger accounts and accounting treatment.
- Prepare analysis and feedback to queries from stakeholders related to Accounting transactions.
- Plan and coordinate timely implementation of Year End Closure processes.
- Prepare analysis and working files to support preparation of corporate financial statements.
- Exercise regular control and oversight on General Ledger’s transactions.
- Test accuracy and appropriateness of transactions recorded in General Ledger.
- Collaborate in risk management related to financial transactions.
- Consolidate common issues identified during oversight exercises and develop improvement plans.
- Monitor progress and implementation of milestones and deadlines regarding monthly, quarterly and year end closure.
- Validate GL reconciliation and bank reconciliations.
- Identify system and process areas requiring improvement and enhancement.
- Prepare analysis and tables to support preparation of corporate financial statements.
- Prepare ad-hoc, audit related reports and analysis for submission to the UN Board of Auditors, UNOPS Executive Board and UNOPS management.
- Prepare analysis reports of corporate financial statements and evaluation of trends.
- Provide support during Internal and External audit processes.
- Monitor follow-up actions on audit recommendations.
- Consolidate internal audit recommendations and develop plans to address areas of improvement.
- Develop a lesson learned log and create preventative measures.
- Implement a plan for automation of financial processes and enhancement of system controls.
- Consolidate training needs of finance practitioners in field offices.
- Analyze lessons learned log and develop training plans.
- Support process documentation and continuous improvements in the corporate document management system (PQMS).
- Act as focal point and product owner for the Financial Accounting module in the UNOPS ERP system (OneUNOPS).
- Develop innovative solutions to optimize financial processes and reduce manual work.
- Provide guidance and advice to finance practitioners on financial accounting, interpretation and operational guidance on the application of Accounting standards and UNOPS FRR.
Required Experience
Relevant experience is defined as working experience within an international environment in the areas of financial reporting, audit and accounting. A thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is required. Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data and reporting clearly and concisely is required. Experience working across different teams, explain financial details clearly, and build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is required. Knowledge and experience in ERP system developments and process improvements and automation is considered an asset.
Qualifications
Required Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field is required. Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.), audit (CIA) or equivalent is required.
