UNDP Jobs - 20800- Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Location :

SANTIAGO, CHILE

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2011

Application Deadline :

07-Feb-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year (renewable)

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

The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Implementation of operational strategies
Functioning of cost-recovery system
Accounting and administrative support
CO cash management
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
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.

2. Ensures functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, follow up on cost recovery.
Deliver a report, to the agencies sharing our premises, of the monthly costs to be recovered in concept of telephonic services, including mobile and long distance.
Notify other agencies sharing our premises of costs to be recovered in concept of use of postal mail, package delivery, pouch, etc.

3. Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for projects and on-behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas Agencies; PO vouchers; Pay Cycle and payment execution.
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed
Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and recording of deposits in Atlas.
Management of cash receipts and petty cash.
Maintain a fully documented also updated report of petty cash
Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
Responsible to maintain the security of the values confined in the Finance Safe Box
Preparation of FACE, vouchers and PO vouchers for management projects

4. Ensures proper CO cash management system functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:

Alternate to Finance Associate for 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.
Alternate to Finance Associate for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
Start and Stop payment initiation on internet banking systems.
Notify of any technical problem with the interface with the electronic platform of the local bank (Banconexion)
Preparation of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury.
Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.
Creation of Deals, setting the exchange rate with the bank
Enter deposits in CLP to Atlas once listed in the local bank statement, notifying the direct supervisor to continue the fund application process.

5. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Key Results:

The key results have an impact on the execution of the CO financial services management in terms of quality and accuracy of work. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNDP’s capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

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 tasks related to financial resources management, including screening and collecting documentation, financial data processing, filing, provision of information
Excellent knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting
Strong IT skills
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Strong soft skills to integrate to the Finance and UNDP team

UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and certification desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance.
University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

5 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international 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 op IPSAS most desirable

Language Requirements:

Fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish required.

IMPORTANT:

Download, fill and sign the P11 - Personal History Form at http://www.pnud.cl/vacantes/p11.doc
You will be asked to submit and upload P11 form in the next application pages.
UNDP will not process applications without P11 properly uploaded.