Finance Officer

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.

The post is located in the Decentralized Accounting Unit of the Finance Division with duty station Dakar, Senegal.

Reporting Lines The Finance Officer reports to the Deputy Director, Finance Division.

Technical Focus Collection and analysis of financial information to support the delivery of various financial services/activities.

Key Results Financial services and related assistance in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Key Functions • Provides financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting and/or investment related services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework. • Collects and analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory and/or management reports, financial statements and/or reports to donors as well as specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners. • Contributes to updating financial policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures. • Responds to requests for assistance from managers and staff at headquarters and Decentralized Offices. • Exchanges and/or provides information to banks, other financial institutions, donors and partners and provides information/clarification to auditors. • Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices. • Participates on Finance Division teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other offices on short-term assignments.

Specific Functions • Monitors adherence to financial policies in Decentralized Offices, highlighting any risks and suggesting mitigating factors to local teams as well as senior management. • Provides functional support and training to Decentralized Offices in the region on best financial practices and usage of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and Oracle. • Prepares analysis of financial practices in Decentralized Offices for senior management. • Recommends improvements to ERP systems to better support operational requirements in Decentralized Offices. • Provides support to upgrades of financial modules of ERP systems. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and five years of relevant experience in similar fields; OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field and seven years of relevant experience in similar fields and completion of a professional qualification in accountancy (Chartered Accountant [CA], Certified Public Accountant [CPA], Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA]) or the investment profession (Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA]). • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of French and English.

Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills • Extent and relevance of experience in accounting and in managing accounting functions. • Excellent computer skills and ability to analyse problems and develop effective, practical solutions. • Extent and relevance of experience in the system development of accounting and financial applications, particularly Oracle Financials. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.