Accounting and Financial Audit Assistant

Volunteering Finance & Economy

Overview

Support financial audit processes for political parties' statements.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in financial auditing or accounting practices, ideally within the UN or international development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural team.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications including Excel and Word.
• Commitment to principles of volunteerism and public service.

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

The UNDP “Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project” (SECSIP) supports the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and other national institutions providing technical assistance through the electoral cycle (pre-election; elections/polling and post-election) for the conducting inclusive and credible electoral processes. SECSIP phase 1 was implemented from July 2013 until June 2017. A second three-year project was rolled out in July 2017. The project is now transitioning to its third phase expected to end in December 2024.

SECSIP is funded by the Government of Australia and UNDP. The project aims to continue building synergies and strategic partnerships with a range of national stakeholders from government and civil society to ensure that an enabling environment for credible and inclusive elections is created. The overarching objective is to strengthen the link between the electoral cycle and other key governance processes and institutions contributing to social cohesion and the development of a pluralistic society.

This UNV assignment is part of SECSIP third phase. SECSIP III will focus on enhancing inclusive, informed and transparent electoral processes through accountable and effective institutions. SECSIP assistance will also contribute to enhancing and expanding social inclusion, particularly of disadvantaged segments of the population including women, young people and people with disabilities (PWD). The Project will work towards achieving the overarching outcome of ‘more sustainable and inclusive electoral institutions and practices in support of democratic governance in Solomon Islands’ through the four following outputs:

Output 1: Institutional and Operational Capacities of the Electoral Authorities Strengthened

Output 2: Capacity of national authorities and local networks to provide voter information and awareness and to encourage civic engagement strengthened

Output 3: Legal Electoral Framework Improved

Output 4: Women’s Political Participation Strengthened

Accordingly, a primary focus of the Accounting and Financial Audit Assistant is to support the analysis and audit of the above-referred statements of accounts that political parties and candidates are required under the law to submit to the ORPP and to the Chief Electoral Officer. In this context, the incumbent of this post will perform the duties described in this DOA receiving guidance from the Registrar of the Political Parties in close consultation with the Office of the Auditor General, the Chief Electoral Officer and UNDP SECSIP CTA.

See https://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/about-us/soi-office.html

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNDP SECSIP Chief Technical Adviser or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Accounting and Financial Audit Assistant will:

In compliance with UNDP Rules, Regulations and policies, the incumbent will be part of SECSIP Graduate Programme.

For this assignment, the incumbent will be required to work with the Office of the Registrar of the Political Parties (ORPP) and the Office of the Register General (OAG) and in alignment with the support provided by UNDP SECSIP to these institutions.

Initially it is expected that approximately the first three months the incumbent will split his/her time between the ORPP and OAG. The second half will be almost entirely focused on the work of the OAG to ensure that the incumbent of this post has a good understanding of the requirements before undertaking the audits of the statement of accounts of political parties and candidates. During the first week of the assignment, these offices in consultation with UNDP SECSIP, will jointly prepare a work plan and timeline identifying the assignment key milestones time distribution to be dedicated to each office.

The incumbent general duties and responsibilities will include the following:

 Provision of additional capacity to deliver the audit of the financial statements of the political parties and candidates in line with the statutory deadlines and meeting the reporting requirements of ORPP, OAG and SIEO  Assist in the identification of training needs, planning and development of contents related to the legal obligation of submission of statement of accounts by political parties and candidates  Identify and plan awareness raising activities to enhance the knowledge of the above described obligations;  Provide a monthly report on the activities carried out in support of the ORPP and OAG to UNDP SECSIP;  Any other task as identified by the ORPP and OAG in consultation with UNDP SECSIP Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager.

Particular tasks to be performed under the guidance of the ORPP Registrar: • Promote timely submissions of statement of accounts which fulfill legal requirements • Identify and plan awareness raising activities to enhance the knowledge of the above described obligations; • Assist the Registrar and Deputy Registrar in the preparation and execution of the ORPP budget • Assist in the monitoring of the ORPP finances and in the preparation of financial reports

Particular tasks to be performed under the guidance of the OAG Audit Manager Provide audit services • Develop testing strategies for low-risk audits that are appropriate to the audit risk. • Ensure testing strategies and their implementation are in accordance with the requirements of the OAG's Audit Methodology and where applicable, regulatory requirements.
• Document sufficient and appropriate audit evidence, addressing the relevant audit objectives and demonstrate how it relates to the rest of the audit. • Undertake audit procedures on an engagement in line with the OAG's Quality Control Policy to ensure that the audits comply with International Standards of Supreme Institution (ISSAI) and International Auditing Standards and that work is completed within the statutory deadline. • Identify and document audit differences and issues. Ensure appropriate action is taken to resolve the issues or escalate them as appropriate as according to quality control policy.
• Prepare recommendations for incorporation into draft audit reports and audit opinions so as to ensure that they comply with the statutory obligations of the Auditor General, in a timely and competent manner.
• Ensure clear, effective and timely communication with a relevant stakeholders on the progress and outcome of the audit. • Promote accountability, efficiency and effectiveness in the collection and use of public resources • Comply with all OAG policies including the Code of Ethics and the SIG Code of Conduct, in particular ensuring the integrity and independence of the OAG is maintained. • Ensure instances of criminality or misconduct are properly captured, documented and brought to the attention of the Assistant Manager and/or Audit Manager in a timely manner. • Follow legislation, rules, policies, guidelines and codes of conduct that apply to the role. Report apparent conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate management or escalation of issues arising.
• Develop and deliver any training to ensure political parties understand the reporting requirements. • Participate in activities as requested to build the general awareness and reputation of the OAG.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP, OAG and ORPP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN, UNDP, OAG and ORPP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

audit, accounting, or finance; experience with working in the UN or other international development organization will be considered an asset; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Good team work and communication skills, coupled with adaptable problem solving skills. Ability to plan and manage time and to meet deadlines interest in the public sector and the role of the Office of the Auditor-General in providing public accountability Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Have affinity with volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

With a population of approximately 550,000, the Solomon Islands has hundreds of islands and rural villages. Between 1999 and 2003, it experienced a period of conflict that took a heavy toll on the country and left a need for peace and continued security. Approximately 70 percent of Solomon Islands; exports are forestry products, and the logging industry accounts for 10 percent of its revenue.Health facilities are very basic in Solomon Islands. The government provides free basic healthcare as well as a number of medical clinics and hospitals.The Medical History Card is a document. Permanent residents of Solomon Islands can obtain one at any medical centre. It contains details of the treatments you have received in Solomon Islands for future treatment. Solomon Islands driving licenses are required for driving. More information can be found on the Inland Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury website.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org