Background

You are invited to join a team of dedicated development professionals whose primary role is to support the Philippines to achieve the 2030 Agenda.  As part of the UNDP team your focus will be to work with multiple stakeholders to find the country specific solutions that lead to the eradication of poverty and to ensure no one is left behind - and we reach those furthest behind first.

You will be confronted with diverse development challenges, including addressing   basic   development   needs, supporting institutional   transformations   to enable   sustainable   development, and enabling rapid recovery from shocks, crises and conflicts by strengthening development pathways.   These development challenges are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, they often coexist, requiring tailored integrated solutions that can adequately address specific deficits and barriers.

We place a premium on national ownership in the analysis, design and implementation of solutions, as well as a partnership-based approach to leverage the range of skills and resources needed – public and private.  We work closely with all stakeholders in society to find innovative solutions to old development problems.

UNDP is looking for individuals who have the analytical, planning and implementation capacities that can address links, choices and connections across many issues and sectors.  We seek individuals who can apply global best practice to national contexts. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated and committed to making a positive contribution to Development in the Philippines.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the Country Office finance unit. The Finance Analyst analyses 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 supervises and leads the staff of the Finance Unit and works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful CO performance in Finance.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance, control of the workflows in the Finance Unit;
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects;
• Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts;
• Elaboration and implementation of cost recovery, saving and reduction strategies;
• Routinely monitors through dashboard and other in house-built systems (power BI, etc) financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.

2) Manages the project budgets and organizes an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects;
• Establishment of the development projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels;
• Sending project budget to KK if authorized by the Senior Management (can be done only on the basis of signed pro-docs and project budgets);
• Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management;
• Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP.

3) Ensures proper control of Country Office accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration 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; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures;
• Performs delegated ICF related functions;
• 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.

4) Ensures proper Country Office 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;
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions;
• Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishments;
• Member of bank signatory panel;
• Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate reports to Treasury;
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement;
• Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager;
• Liaise with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements;
• Role as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

5) Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO, focusing on achievement of the following results:

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

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, or Public Administration.

AND/OR

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience.
• 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.
• UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance test required.

Experience:

• Relevant experience in providing financial management and accounting advisory services, managing staff and operational systems.
• 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 and/or IFRS is required.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English. Working knowledge of other UN language desirable.

Other:

• Non-Smoking environment.