Finance Officer (part-time: 50%)

Introduction

The position (part-time (50%)) is located in the Accounts Unit (ACCOUNTS) of the Treasury and Accounts Branch (TREASURY) within the Financial Management Department (FINANCE). TREASURY provides policy guidance and services in the areas of accounting and treasury having primary responsibility for the production of the annual audited consolidated ILO Financial Statements in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as well as other statutory reports. It also aims at developing effective treasury office-wide and investment management policies. ACCOUNTS provides general accounting services including maintenance of accurate, complete and reliable accounts for all funds managed by the ILO in accordance with ILO Financial Rules and Regulations. 
    
The incumbent will perform core duties of the finance officer in ACCOUNTS which include administering accounting processes in accordance with IPSAS policies and ILO’s Financial Rules and Regulations, maintenance of assigned ILO Financial Statements’ segments and assistance in the preparation of the annual ILO consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IPSAS. 

The incumbent will report to the Chief of ACCOUNTS.
 

Specific Duties

1.Support the implementation and subsequent maintenance of assigned IPSAS standards, ensuring that the corresponding data and disclosures are appropriately reflected in the ILO audited consolidated Financial Statements. 
2.Contribute to the preparation and production of the ILO Financial report and audited consolidated Financial Statements. 
3.Administer assigned accounting processes in accordance with IPSAS accounting policies and IGDS, and coordinate with relevant departments and offices. Draft new standard operating procedures and provide input to policies as required. 
4.Analyse and reconcile ILO funds’ accounting transactions and balances on a regular basis for both ILO headquarters and field accounts, to ensure compliance with ILO Financial Rules and Regulations and IPSAS requirements. Identify anomalies and propose and take corrective action, in consultation with the supervisor as necessary and provide guidance to internal counterparties, including external offices. 
5.Perform other relevant duties as assigned. 

Generic Duties

1. Receive and analyse accounts and financial documents giving particular attention to apparent anomalies or unusual trends and initiating action to correct situations where anomalies occur; review regular financial reports, and prepare reports, correspondence and advice on complex cases.
2. Provide advice and guidance concerning the Organization=s financial practices and rules and provide authoritative interpretation of requirements for handling transactions in the operation supervised (e.g., authorising payments, approving salary payments, approving budgets and various accounting documents).
3. Review the operational efficiency of the assigned organisational/account area from managerial or accounting perspectives in order to improve the operation (including development of automated applications).
4. Supervise staff performing financial operations and producing periodic financial statements; correct and adapt the analytical work of subordinate professional and general service staff.
5. Manage the operation of the financial services of the area of responsibility and prepare related managerial reports.
6. Monitor and review selected financial transactions and documents (e.g., budget proposals, payment requests, requests for financial clearance, ACDs, payroll data etc.) prior to entry into the finance system; ensure implementation of procedures to control and monitor income and expenditure.
7. Prepare recurrent and ad hoc reports and relevant explanations, as requested by senior management.
8. Define requirements and terms of reference for systems specialists to produce specialised reports from the financial database and systems applications.
9. Maintain the financial procedures related to the assigned operation; draft circulars, manuals and training materials as necessary.
10. Prepare draft replies to internal and external audit observations concerning the assigned operation.
11. Analyse budget information to prepare and consolidate estimates and supporting data in relation to budget forecasts, performance reports and medium-term plans; review financial provisions of project agreements and documents; assess budget requests and draft budget proposals.
12. Other related functions, as requested.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting or other relevant field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. An internationally recognized accounting certification (CPA, ACA, ACCA, etc.) would be an advantage.  

Experience

At least five years of professional financial and accounting experience. Professional experience in the preparation of or audit of complex financial statements in accordance with IPSAS or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

Languages

Excellent command of English or French and a working knowledge of a second working language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization. A working knowledge of a third working language of the Organization would be an advantage.    
    

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical competencies
Excellent knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS. Excellent accounting knowledge and skills. Effective and experienced analytical diagnostic skills to prepare and analyse complex financial statements involving multiple funding sources and currencies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and international accounting standards (i.e. IPSAS, IFRS, etc.) Strong ERP skills (preferably Oracle) with particular focus on General Ledger. Excellent Excel skills.
Ability to analyse financial information from several sources, examining documentation; to resolve any apparent anomalies. Ability to plan and coordinate moderately complex projects or programmes. Ability to draft procedures for internal use which reflect sound financial rules.    
    
Behavioural Competencies
Ability to motivate staff, establish team objectives, assign and supervise work and ensure that quality service/work is provided to clients.  Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to clearly communicate, explain and train on processes and procedures to others. Discretion is required as work may involve dealing with confidential material. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.