Finance Officer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - BSSC

The UNOPS Bangkok Shared Service Centre (BSSC) is a Shared Services Centre (SSC) unit established to provide internal, global, cost-effective transactional services which enhance the operational capacity of UNOPS and standardize systems and procedures. The BSSC, among other functions, carries out high-quality transactional services within the area of personnel contract administration and payroll.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the BSSC Finance and Accounting Team Leader’s guidance and supervision, the Finance officer supervises BSSC Travel Authorization and DSA Automation(TADA)//Travel Team reviews and approves travel related payments. The incumbent will supervise a team of travel payment approvers and will work closely and collaborate with UNOPS travelers, travel organizers, budget owners and the policy owner. She/he is expected to promote a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations. In addition, the incumbent will also be maintaining and updating rates on the system as well as prepare reports based upon the request of the BSSC Finance and Accounting Team Leader.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Team Lead for Finance and Accounting, the Finance officer is responsible for the quality of finance support services delivered by BSSC TADA/Travel Team to UNOPS offices. He/she will analyze and interpret the organization’s travel trends and provide inputs for solutions where needed.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

• Implementation of operational strategies and procedures
• Support to management on the UNOPS Travel Management Tool
• Management of financial services and supervision of TADA/Travel Team
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results: - Full compliance with UN/UNOPS rules, regulations, and policies related to review/approval of travel payments, recording/reporting and follow-up on audit recommendations; - Implementation of effective internal controls related to travel reimbursement as well as contributes/provides feedback on future system improvements for further efficiency gains in consultation with BSSC Management and the Policy Owner.

2. Ensures management of the UNOPS Travel Management / TADA tool, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely review and approval of travel related AP vouchers for accuracy and completeness, ensuring that the DSA/travel entitlement amounts and travel related expenses are calculated and documented correctly
• Coordination of the year end closure for travel related expenses processed through the the UNOPS Travel Management / TADA tool
• Monitor travel related overpayments and prepare monthly reconciliation reports for follow ups with budget owners in compliance with IPSAS.
• Advise travelers on travel policy and seek opinions from the policy owner on complex travel cases regarding reimbursables
• Monitoring and analyze travel data and propose additional system or process controls where needed
• Prepares recurring, ad-hoc and special travel payment reports as requested by supervisor.
• Prepares statistical reports on workflow/processes as requested by the supervisor/BSSC management.
• Maintains and updates the DSA rates as per ICSC website on the Travel Authorization and DSA Automation tool
• Assists BSSC Management in providing clarification and response to queries and observations of auditors (both internal and external).
• Monitor and review the performance of the Travel Management / TADA tool and draft proposals for system improvements
• Review and appropriate recommendations from stakeholders of the UNOPS Travel Management / TADA tool to be used for future system developments

3. Ensures effective management of financial services and recruitment/supervision of the BSSC TADA/Travel team, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Monitoring and analysis of financial services and recommendations for changes in policies, systems and procedures to ensure services are aligned with changing business needs and objectives

• Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

• Management of the BSSC Jira travel inquiry portal, ensuring that the service level agreements/response times on service delivery are being met by BSSC TADA/Travel.
• Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
• Participate and support future recruitment of new travel member
• Provision of performance appraisal of team members in the BSSC DSA Team.

• Provide training and onboarding material to new team members.

• Drafting of correspondence and internal procedural directives/standard operating procedures (SOPs) in consultation with direct supervisor related to TADA/Travel financial activities.

4. Provides support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization of training for field office personnel on TADA/Travel-related topics.

• Communicate/update of traveling personnel and travel focal points on issues and procedural changes on TADA in coordination with the policy owner

• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Analyzes queries received through the BSSC Jira travel inquiry portal and produces adequate training material for travelers/users of the TADA system.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in travel.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance or Public Administration, or related fields is required. - A first-level university degree in combination with required qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: - A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in administration of travel management or approval of travel related payments is required. - Experience in the usage of computers and Google software packages (G-Suite) or MS Microsoft Office Suites is required. - Knowledge of UN rules and regulations on travel is an asset. - Supervisory experience is desirable.

Language Requirements: - Fluency in written and oral English is required. - Knowledge of a second UN working language is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA-8 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• This position is stationed in Bangkok, Thailand, which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.