UNDP Jobs - 44538- Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant

Location :

Bangkok, THAILAND

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-May-2014

Application Deadline :

16-Mar-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-2

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year extendable based on performance and budget availability

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 guidance and supervision of the Chief of Operations and direct supervision of Finance Manager & Finance Supervisor, 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 and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

Full compliance of financial processes and financial records with UNIUNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies;
Input to the 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. Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

Prepare timely and accurate payments to vendors/staff according to the established service level (SLA) agreement through PeopleSoft ERP system;
Ensure correctness and validity of payment in term of compliance to relevant policies & procedures, proper authorization, sufficient supporting documents e.g. receipts, invoices, signed agreements, and with proper account coding;
Verify and record financial reports for projects implemented by partners;
Where required, properly calculate and allocate shared operating expenses to applicable projects;
Take corrective actions on payment problems e.g. Budget check errors, match exceptions, invalid account codes, etc. by analyzing problem, liaising with requester, budget owner, system Help Desk other related parties as appropriate;
Monitor and follow up for timely settlements of outstanding advances, payments due from staff and other UN offices, and record receipt;
For new vendors, verify correctness & completeness of vendor data registered in the system by procurement unit, especially vendors' bank information;
Handle staff/vendors' inquiries relating to payments;
Prepare journal vouchers for corrections/adjustments when required;
Forecast weekly fund required for payments under responsibilities as input for cash management;
Run system queries/reports to obtain relevant work data/statistics;
Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents;
Other tasks as assigned.

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

Properly record data required for cost recovery billing in all payments and other tasks done in order to enable correct and complete hilling of cost recovery according to relevant policies & procedures;
Handle inquiries from clients on cost recovery billed on payments and other tasks carried out under responsibility.

4. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievement of the following results:

Participation in the trainings for the operations/projects staff on Finance;
Contribution and Sharing of knowledge with team, 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 repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to Finance, screening, collecting and preparation of documentation, data input, transactions tracking, filing, provision of information;
Ability to review data, identify and adjust discrepancies;
Ability to produce accurate and well documented records conforming to the required standard;
Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations;
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;
Proactive, consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Thai National with secondary education. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related fields preferred.

Work experience:

For secondary education, minimum 4-year experience in relevant accounting and financial experience at national level is required;
For Bachelor’s degree holder, minimum 2-year experience in 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.

Language requirement:

Proficient in written and oral English communication.

Remark: This position is open for Thai national only.