UNDP Jobs - 46326- Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Location :

Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-May-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English Spanish

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Programme Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the Operations, Management Support and Business Development, Programme and other teams in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides support to Operational and Financial management strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations and other relevant policies on financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system;
Input to the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of Internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance, in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

Provides effective support to administration and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

Processing of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery;
Extraction of data from various sources;
Maintenance of the filing system;
Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to head of unit.

Provides accounting and administrative support focusing on achievement of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, preparation of the supporting documents for direct payments, VAT certificates and cash transfer (OFA);
Processing of PO and non-PO vouchers, VAT certificates for development and management projects, and on behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas agencies;
Revision and confirmation of validity of charges by verifying authorized amounts and ensuring availability of budgets and funds;
Processing of transactions, ensuring that they are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas in conformity with the internal expenditures control system;
Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in Atlas;
Compilation of data for internal/external audit;
Provision of inputs to reports including donor reports;
Maintenance of the proper filling system for finance records and documents;
Extracting, inputting, copying and filing data form various sources;
Provides customer services for deliverance of check payments and VAT certificates as required;
Perform other duties as required.

Ensures proper CO cash management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Follow up and maintenance of schedule payments and income. Makes pertinent adjustments to project contributions schedule;
Follow up with projects cash position to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements and timely recovery of funds.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Participation in the organization of training for the office staff on programme/operations related issues;
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in programme finance;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to perform a variety of standard specialized and non-specialized tasks and work processes that are fully documented, researched, recorded and reported;
Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust discrepancies, identify and resolve operational problems
Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations and Results Management Guide, accounting
Strong IT skills, Atlas;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system.

Leadership and Self-Management:

Focuses on result for the client;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change;
Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance.

Experience:

4 years of relevant accounting and financial experience at national level is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS desirable.

Language:

Fluency in Spanish and English.