Finance Specialist

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO) is implementing 12 projects in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in conduct of demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with the funding from the European Union (EU), Kingdom of Norway, Governments of Switzerland, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Finance Specialist acts as an advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of financial management and operations. This includes strategic financial resources management, within UNOPs rules and regulations. S/he leads the financial management operation, ensuring financial integrity of the Business Unit’s programmes/ projects operations, consistent delivery of efficient and effective financial management services to the client office, primarily, Budget Preparation and Management; Cash Management and Treasury functions; and Control of Accounts and Payments. Leading and guiding the Business Unit Financial management Team, s/he fosters collaboration within the team, with programme staff and with other stakeholders with a client-oriented approach. The incumbent provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial management issues, maintains oversight over the financial management of projects and promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach. The Finance Specialist is responsible for quality management and compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices. Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies
2. Budget management and organization of the cost-recovery system
3. Control of office accounts
4. Control of office cash management
5. Team Management
6. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies Ensures the implementation of operational and financial management strategies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Advice to senior management on strategic financial resources management
• Authoritative interpretation of requirements for handling transactions advice and guidance concerning UNOPS’ financial practices and rules.
• Operational efficiency of the managerial or accounting aspects of the areas managed.
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for projects.
• Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies and IPSAS standards.
• Implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system.
• Proper management of the contributions management and accounting for contributions to ensure that funds due to UNOPS are properly identified, consistently and uniformly classified, recorded on a timely basis and received with sufficient supporting documentation.
• Performance of appropriate role in Enterprise system for transactions approvals and bank reconciliation.
• Approvals authority of pending disbursements (cheques, bank transfers, EFT) and bank reconciliations.
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions.
• Member of bank signatory panel.
• Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Control of the workflows in the Finance Unit.
• Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the Business Unit’s resources mobilization efforts.
• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions.
• Informs supervisors and other UNOPS colleagues at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
• Follow up on process/data analytics and Finance related KPIs ensuring respect of set standards and baselines

2. Budget management and organization of the cost-recovery system Manages the project budgets and organizes an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets of administrative/management projects.
• Establishment of the development projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits and budgets delivery levels.
• Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.
• Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Enterprise system for the services provided by UNOPS

3. Control of office accounts Ensures proper control of accounts focusing on achievement of the following results in compliance with IPSAS and UNOPS policies and procedures:

• Elaboration of the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Enterprise system; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done
• Timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site.
• Proper management of the contributions management business process and accounting for contributions to ensure that funds due to UNOPS are properly identified, consistently and uniformly classified, recorded on a timely basis and received with sufficient supporting documentation
• Control of accounts closure
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNOPS projects and maintenance of the General Ledger

4. Control of office cash management Ensures proper office cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNOPS staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Enterprise system to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions.
• Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishments.
• Member of bank signatory panel.
• Timely and accurate approval of bank reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions.
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement.
• Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast.
• Cash disbursements made on sites.

5. Team Management - Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development. - Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

6. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing - Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance related topics. - Lead, approve and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for Finance personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, Finance practice information and best practice benchmarking. - Oversee team’s contributions to Finance knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources management. - Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced Degree or equivalent preferably in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or related fields is required. - First-level university degree, in combination with over seven (7) years’ qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - High school diploma in combination with a minimum of eleven (11) years’ qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• Minimum of five years (or more based on credentials) of professional-level experience in accounting with responsibility for project accounting and preparation of financial statements in an international organization in providing financial management services is required;
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS financial rules and regulations and working knowledge of ERP is desired.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Serbian and English language is required

Certifications

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) certificate is an asset

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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.

Contract type, level and duration

********This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.********

Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - ICS 10 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended

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.

Terms and Conditions

• 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.