UNDP Jobs - 61278- Finance Analyst

Finance Analyst

Location :

Male', MALDIVES

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

04-Nov-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-A

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

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 overall guidance and supervision of Assistant Resident Representative (Operations), the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Analyst promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful Country Office (CO) performance in Finance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Implementation of operational and financial management strategies.
Projects’ budget management.
CO cash management.
Control of CO accounts.
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, 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;
CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance under the supervision of the Finance Specialist;
Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects, monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions;
Analysis and elaboration of proposals on cost saving and reduction strategies;

Ensures proper control of CO accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:

Analysis and elaboration of proposals for the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, and receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures;
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 UNDP projects and maintenance of the General Ledger;

Ensures proper CO 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 UNDP staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained;
Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishments;
Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate reports to Treasury;
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;
Performing Pay cycle manager role in Atlas;
Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Assistant Resident Representative (Operations).
Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements;
Role as cashier for cash disbursements made on site;

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

Organization/conduct of training for the operations/ programme/projects staff on financial management;
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Building Partnerships

Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues;
Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position;
Ability to formulate and manage budgets; manage contributions and investments; manage transactions; and conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery;
Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures and applies them consistently in work tasks;
Analyzes the requirements and synthesizes proposals;
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Researches and documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system.

Design and Implementation of Management Systems

Make recommendations relative to work-processing approaches and procedures which would lead to more efficient systems design.

Client Orientation

Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion;
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients;
Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Gathers, analyzes and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
Self-development, initiative-taking;
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
Creating synergies through self-control;
Managing conflict;
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business or Public Administration, or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy;
Professionally qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.

Experience

Relevant experience in Finance/Accounting, Business or Public Administration) in providing financial management service and operational systems (with Master), or 2 years of experience in the same fields with a Bachelor's degree;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft;
Experience of IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) and/or IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) is required for external candidates.

Language

Fluency in the Dhivehi and English.