Finance Officer (Accounting)

Manage accounting and general ledger functions

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 4 years ago: Friday 11 Mar 2022 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Manage accounting and general ledger functions

You have:

  • Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and a professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CFA, CCM, CA, CPA).
  • Five years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis.
  • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO’s Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 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 General Ledger Group and based at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines The Finance Officer reports to the Finance Officer/Head, General Ledger Group.

Technical Focus Management of accounting and general ledger functions within the Finance Division.

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 HQ and the 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 HQ and the Decentralized Offices. • Participates in Finance Division teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other divisions on short-term assignments.

Specific Functions • Manages payroll accounting. • Reconciles clearing accounts, liaising with finance business units, operating divisions and field offices to facilitate resolution of outstanding items. • Participates in the month and year-end closure. • Participates in the testing of upgrades/improvements of financial systems.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and a professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CFA, CCM, CA, CPA). • Five years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis. • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).

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 analyze 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, is desirable.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you had to analyze financial data to make a decision? The interviewer wants to understand your analytical skills and your ability to use financial data effectively. Provide a specific example and discuss the data analysis methods you used.
What steps would you take to ensure compliance with international financial standards in your role? This question assesses your knowledge of financial regulations and your commitment to compliance. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about your experience in managing accounting functions and how you prioritize tasks. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle conflicts in a team setting, especially under pressure? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain how you quickly adapt to new financial systems or processes. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org