Finance Officer (Invoice Processing)

Finance & Economy

Overview

Lead financial services, ensuring compliance and quality.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and nine 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 (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• 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 knowledge of ERP systems and reporting tools.
• Extent and relevance of experience in analysing financial reports within the corporate ERP systems.
• Extent and relevance of experience in a shared services or business support centre is highly desirable.
• A professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CFA, CCM, CA, CPA) is desirable.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French or Spanish is highly desirable.

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 agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Shared Services Centre (SSC) is responsible for the effective execution and continuous improvement of process management and service delivery in HR, Finance, Payroll, Travel, Contact Centre, and ERP troubleshooting. The SSC ensures quality assurance, drives customer satisfaction, and pursues a continuous improvement agenda to enhance service excellence and reduce costs through process standardization, automation, and self-service capabilities.

The Finance team consists of two subunits: Global Supporting Functions and Regional Invoice Processing. The Finance Officer is leading the Regional Invoice Processing subunit.

The position is located in the FAO Shared Services Centre (SSC) in Budapest, Hungary.

Reporting Lines

The Finance Officer (Invoice Processing) reports to the Senior Finance Officer.

Technical Focus

The Finance Officer (Invoice Processing) provides technical and strategic oversight across core finance areas, including fixed assets, bank reconciliation, payment processing, and vendor and banking services. The Finance Officer (Invoice Processing) ensures the consistent application of FAO accounting policies, UN financial regulations and IPSAS requirements, safeguarding the integrity, accuracy and completeness of financial records. The Finance Officer (Invoice Processing) also exercises technical supervision over accounting teams, provides expert guidance on complex accounting matters, oversees key accounting controls and reconciliations, and supports continuous improvements in accounting frameworks, processes and financial governance.

Key Results

Planning and delivery of financial services in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Key Functions

• Leads and/or participates in teams, participates and provides financial expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff.

• Supervises, oversees and/or contributes to the delivery of financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and/or investment activities/services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.

• Develops and updates the supporting operational, policy, accounting, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the implementation of the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised financial policies, and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.

• Analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, financial statements, and/or reports to donors, as well as other specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.

• Responds to requests for assistance and provides financial and regulatory advice and assistance to managers at headquarters and in Decentralized Offices.

• Develops effective working relationships and resolves problems with banks, other financial institutions, donors, partners, and UN financial executives as well as provides information/clarification to auditors.

• Promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices, leads and/or participates in training and the development of related training materials.

Specific Functions

· Provides strategic oversight of the finance service delivery model, ensuring clarity of roles, accountabilities and service expectations across headquarters and decentralized offices.

· Leads finance performance management through the definition and governance of key performance indicators, leveraging performance insights to drive strategic decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.

· Acts as a sponsor for finance related transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and supporting sustainable adoption of new processes, systems and service models.

· Drives innovation in financial management by advancing digital solutions, data-driven practices and streamlined processes to support FAO's transition toward more agile, efficient and future-oriented finance operations.

· Drives strong customer service orientation by delivering client focused, solution oriented financial services and continuously improving service quality and user experiences.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and nine 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 (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

• 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 knowledge of ERP systems and reporting tools.

• Extent and relevance of experience in analysing financial reports within the corporate ERP systems.

• Extent and relevance of experience in a shared services or business support centre is highly desirable.

• A professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CFA, CCM, CA, CPA) is desirable.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French or Spanish is highly desirable.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 days ago - Updated 9 hours ago - Source: fao.org