Senior Accounting Associate

H (no hardship)FamilyFamily GS7General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentNo2024-11-18November 28, 2024

Senior Accounting Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Global Financial Service (GFS) within UNHCR’s Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) of UNHCR is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the statutory and management financial information recorded in UNHCR’s accounts and used in various reports, including UNHCR’s annual financial statements. GFS also provides transaction processing and payment services to an increasing number of operational locations with a view to further enhancing the speed and efficiency of the related processes.

The Central Accounting Unit (CAU) plays an essential role in ensuring that the Organization's financial statements comply with UN Financial Regulations, the UNHCR Financial Rules and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and strives to strengthen the quality of financial management and control in UNHCR. 

The Accounts Receivable and Donor Reporting (ARDR) Unit processes incoming deposits and provides related technical support to the field operations, accounts for revenue adjustments, raises bills for miscellaneous income, coordinates the accounts closure and audit for AR and revenue, compiles financial reports to UNHCR’s donors, which requires active liaison with colleagues from the Division of External Relations (DER) and the respective field offices.

The Accounts Payable (AP) Unit processes AP vouchers and central payments for UNHCR and several field offices, provides related technical support to the Field and coordinates the accounts closure and audit for AP and expenses.

Under the general direction of the relevant Head of Unit, the incumbent manages and oversees global accounting processes within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and contributes to analysing and reporting on the corporate-level accounting results of UNHCR in compliance with the UN Financial Regulations, UNHCR’s rules and IPSAS, as applicable.  The incumbent supervises general service staff to achieve the overall deliverables of the unit. S/he frequently interacts with other functional units within and outside the GFS, e.g., in the Treasury Service of DFAM, the Personnel Administration Section (PAS) and the Global Payroll Section (GPS) of the Division of Human Resources (DHR) and other HQ divisions to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of financial accounting and reporting at UNHCR and maintains frequent contact with managers and finance staff in field locations to advise them on accounting and financial reporting issues.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Assist in the implementation and enforcement of accounting procedures in specified areas.

• Supervise the daily recording of transactions, prepare transactions /reports for approval.

• Coordinate the collection of information and verification of data on accounts and financial transactions including more complex cases, as required.

• Supervise a team of accountants as assigned.

• Operate procedures to monitor compliance by users in different entities with the relevant financial rules, regulations, and procedures and assist in enforcing quality assurance protocols, perform and facilitate regular reviews of transactions and the global accounts.

• Provide provision of technical support to field offices, regional bureaux and HQ divisions, and provide answers and guidelines to accounting and finance-related matters.

• Assist in the preparation and presentation of detailed accounting analysis, financial reports and audit documentation, and analyze data.

• Contribute to the periodic closure of UNHCR’s global accounts, the reconciliation of the general ledger to subledgers, enforce quality control, perform account reconciliations, and regularly review open transactions and suspense accounts within the area(s) of responsibility.

• Foster an environment of continuous learning and innovation.

• Identify skill gaps and coordinate with the supervisor for training programs, and deliver trainings as assigned.

• Support the rollout of new systems and processes, and contribute to testing, system development and deployment.

• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision-making is risk-based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to a relevant functional colleague(s).

• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Accounting;                                       Certified Public Accountant;

Chartered Accountant (CA);             Association of Certified Charted Accountants (ACCA)

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Work experience in overseeing corporate level accounting processes and/or general ledger accounting. Good knowledge of, and experience in working with international accounting and auditing standards, with practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Experience with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle).

Desirable

Knowledge of UNHCR specific systems (such as Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP). Knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.

Functional Skills

FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)

FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards

FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)

DM-Data Collection and Analysis

EL-Monitoring and Evaluation

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Managing Resources

Judgement and Decision Making

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Planning and Organizing

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

• A recognized accounting qualification is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience in executing corporate accounting processes, such as inventory accounting, asset accounting, cash and bank accounting, accounts payable or accounts receivable accounting, subledger to ledger reconciliation, or accrual and suspense account management.
• Experience in supporting the preparation of financial statements for commercial or public entities under IFRS, IPSAS, or equivalent frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate, interpret, and implement technical accounting requirements pertinent to UNHCR.
• Experience in drafting technical accounting documents in English and supporting both internal and external audits.
• Developing leadership qualities with a track record of fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment aligned with organizational goals.

This position requires an individual with ambition and drive who is capable of mentoring and coaching more junior team members and actively supporting the unit to achieve both unit and divisional objectives. In addition to possessing good technical knowledge in accounting, the incumbent must demonstrate effective communication to support a cooperative and productive work environment and the readiness and ambition to develop their delegated managerial skills in a small team context.

Additional information:
Candidates must be legally present in Hungary at the time of application, recruitment and hire.

Remuneration:
In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

Benefits:
Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).

Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).

Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in Budapest will be enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP). The coverage is also optionally available for eligible family members.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).English

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Central Accounting Unit (CAU) is an integral part of the Accounts and Financial Service Section (AFS) within the Global Finance Service (GFS) of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management at UNHCR. The unit frequently interacts with other Divisions and sections within UNHCR Headquarters, field offices, and regional bureaux, playing the lead role in, and coordinating globally, the preparation, closure, and disclosure of UNHCR’s financial result while supporting the maintenance of the quality of the Organization’s key accounting systems and related controls.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will manage key elements of UNHCR’s global accounting processes. These include regular monthly closure of accounting modules, supporting, and guiding of colleagues in processing complex transactions, and managing assigned key corporate accounting activities, including assigned components of the annual financial statement preparation and related audit support processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing and supporting key components of the monthly and annual financial closures of UNHCR.

• Ensuring continuous monitoring and integration of field office accounting inputs.

• Supporting the preparation of UNHCR's annual financial statements under the guidance of the unit head.

• Managing global accounting processes, as assigned, and performing detailed accounting analyses, including reconciling results between IPSAS/IFRS and management accounting perspectives.

• Communicating and responding to manager and audit inquiries in strong spoken and written English.

• Provide provision of technical support to field offices, regional bureaux and HQ divisions, and provide answers and guidelines to accounting and finance-related matters.

• Preparing and updating standard operating procedures and guidance notes to facilitate the day-to-day work.  

• Escalate to supervisors any indication of breach in the internal control system, including suspected fraud.

• Any other tasks assigned by the managers.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Data Collection and Analysis, EL-Monitoring and Evaluation, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial Accounting - Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)

Certifications

Accounting - Other, Association of Chartered Certified Accountant - ACCA, Certified Public Accountant - Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

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Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance