Finance Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Finance Division (CSF) recommends and administers financial policies and procedures that meet the highest professional standards; keeps accounts that accurately record financial activities and meet the requirements of internal and external audits; prepares reports to accurately portray the financial status of the Organization and its activities; ensures that the Organization's financial resources are securely kept and productively employed while in FAO's custody; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures that all disbursements are timely and made in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Main Purpose

The Finance Assistant performs a large variety of administrative and financial duties in support of the Treasury team. The incumbent exercises judgment, identifies errors and supports sound financial practice.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Finance Assistant reports to the Senior Finance Officer, Head of Treasury. He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.

Working Relationships

The Finance Assistant interacts with a variety of colleagues within the work unit and with immediate clients served within the Organization, providing routine assistance to promote the effective and efficient delivery of finance-related services.

Key Functions/Results

• Process claims or invoices and other payments requests in line with relevant regulations and instructions; • Ensure that all supporting documents and information required to justify payment, including receipts, banking details, etc., are complete before releasing payments; • Settle invoices and claims after verification of supporting documents; • Assist in the global electronic fund transfer and electronic banking efforts and the implementation of non-standard payment methods in FAO country offices; • Maintain contacts with FAO field offices and local banking partners, assisting offices for the setup of signatory powers and electronic banking services • Maintain up to date records and ensures document security • Provide back-up functions to the Treasury Window. • Perform other duties as required.

Impact Of Work

The incumbent's work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of financial support services and on the overall output of the work unit.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education. Experience: Three years of relevant experience in finance/budget-related support work. Languages: Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. "Commuting distance" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

Results Focus Team Work Communication Building effective relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting policies and practices. Good knowledge of corporate financial systems. Good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

Knowledge of the banking system and payment methods.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________