Background
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Associate provides leadership in execution of financial services in the CO ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Finance Associate supervises and leads the support staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex finance-related issues and information delivery.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies, 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 in consultation with office management;
- Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts;
- Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management;
- Adherence to the core values of the UN (ethics and integrity) in all transactions.
- Preparation and modifications of budgets for UNDPs management projects, follow up with HQs on authorized spending limits (ASL) for management projects;
- Implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications, budgetary status versus ASL, follow up with HQs on ASL for development projects, maintenance of the General Ledger;
- Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources of the CO, reports containing analysis of the financial situation;
- Timely preparation 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.
- Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports for NEX projects;
- Maintenance of 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; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed;
- Timely corrective actions on un posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
- Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow up with partners on contributions;
- Timely VAT reimbursements, payment of GLOC by the Government.
- 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;
- Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions;
- Alternate to Finance Analyst (or) as primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishment. Transaction and stop payment initiation on internet banking systems;
- Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury;
- Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations;
- Selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlements;
- Performing Pay cycle manager role in Atlas;
- Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by /Finance Analyst. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements.
- Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance;
- Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in 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.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
- Shares knowledge and experience;
- Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP practice areas;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
- Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting;
- Sound knowledge of financial rules and regulations;
- Strong IT skills;
- Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system.
- Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Secondary Education with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
- University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable but it is not a requirement.
- 7 years of progressively responsible finance experience is required at the national or international level;
- 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.
- Fluency in English and national language of the duty station.
- Applicants are requested to upload a copy of their latest updated P11 Form instead of a CV which can be downloaded from this website: http://www.sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc.
- Incomplete applications will not be given consideration;
- Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.
UNDP Zimbabwe reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP Zimbabwe at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.