Finance Officer

Overview

Coordinate the UN System-wide IPSAS project, ensuring effective financial reporting standards.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in accounting or related field is required.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in development of accounting policies preferably with an exposure to public standard setting process, and management experience in adopting international accounting standards is required.
• Relevant experience with a UN system organization or a similar international organization’s conversion to a new accounting standard (including IPSAS) is desirable.
• Progressively responsible experience in the standards setting process, preferably with exposure to public sector accounting or financial auditing of the application of standards is desirable.
• English is required.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 131,084 USD and 171,644 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting

In February 2006, the United Nations System decided to fund a jointly-financed project to support the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) throughout the United Nations System. All 37 United Nations System organizations have since successfully completed implementation of IPSAS. The role of the system-wide IPSAS project through its Task Force is to facilitate and coordinate dialogue amongst UN system organizations on accounting and financial reporting issues and practices. The Task Force, under the auspices of the Finance and Budget Network (FBN), promotes consistent interpretation and application of IPSAS requirements across the UN System. Furthermore, the Task Force facilitates IPSAS post implementation activities through systematic and practical exchange and deliberation of substantive issues. The project’s current focus is on the common implementation of newly issued IPSAS standards, addressing implications of revisions of current IPSAS alongside ongoing IPSAS compliance, as well as representing the System views at IPSAS Board meetings. This position is currently located in the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) in the United Nations Secretariat, New York. The incumbent reports to the Chair of the UN System Task Force on Accounting Standards (TFAS).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Finance and Budget Officer (UN System-Wide IPSAS Project Coordinator) will be responsible for the following activities: - Assist with coordination and liaison with United Nations System organizations, supporting the Task Force on Accounting Standards and providing the main platform for facilitating information-sharing on IPSAS implementation and post-implementation; - Support the Chair of the Task Force on Accounting Standards; - Facilitate the monitoring and managing of accounting diversity in the United Nations System, assisting with conducting in-depth analysis of issues and the coordination of technical guidance as necessary; - Assist with soliciting technical advice on specific IPSAS-related issues to individual United Nations System organizations; - Facilitate consideration of common implementation and post-implementation issues in the United Nations System, and the sharing of practical approaches to such issues through working groups; - Keep abreast of the latest developments in standards and pronouncements issued by the IPSAS Board (the standard-setting body) including supporting the Chair of TFAS in participation in the Board’s quarterly meetings as necessary; coordinate the review of the standards and the impact on United Nations System organizations, taking into consideration the changes in the IPSAS Board’s pronouncements including the Conceptual Framework; - Drafting progress reports, if required, to the various governing bodies of United Nations System organizations, including coordinating/preparing responses to inquiries made by the governing bodies; - Provide support to the networks of the High-Level Committee on Management of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (HLCM), especially the Finance and Budget Network, and participate in their meetings as necessary; - Assist the Chair in Interaction with the audit function, especially the Technical Group of the Panel of Auditors of the UN System organizations; - Lead efforts to maintain the collaborative web-based platforms of the project and encourage sharing of knowledge and experience by United Nations System organizations through such platforms; - Manage the system-wide IPSAS project’s overall activities, project financial resources, outputs and deliverables, including assisting the Chair in the establishment of the project’s work plan.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge of international accounting standards and managerial experience in the specific areas being supervised, especially application of IPSAS. Shows ability to support the implementation of IPSAS. Proven analytical skills and ability to provide technical advice in stakeholders. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in accounting or related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience in accounting or related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in development of accounting policies preferably with an exposure to public standard setting process, and management experience in adopting international accounting standards is required. Relevant experience with a UN system organization or a similar international organization’s conversion to a new accounting standard (including IPSAS) is desirable. Progressively responsible experience in the standards setting process, preferably with exposure to public sector accounting or financial auditing of the application of standards is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

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LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This post is financed by extra budgetary resources. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions