Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Accounts and Finance Section (AFS) is part of the Global Financial Service (GFS) within the Division of Financial and Administrative Management of UNHCR. AFS is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the statutory and management financial information used in a variety of UNHCR’s reports, including key financial statements, like the annual financial statements of UNHCR. It plays an essential role in ensuring that the Organization’s financial statements comply with UN Financial Regulations, the UNHCR Financial Rules and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and strives to strengthen the quality of financial management and control in UNHCR.

The Central Accounting Unit (CAU) within AFS is responsible for analyzing and monitoring the accounting and financial activities carried out by the UNHCR’s Headquarters and Field Offices, as well as for processing corporate level accounting transactions and reconciliations.

Under the general direction of the Chief of the Accounts and Financial Section, the incumbent manages the work of the CAU and supervises his/her staff to achieve the overall deliverables of the Unit. The incumbent frequently interacts with managers of functional partner units outside of AFS, e.g., in Treasury Service of DFAM, the Department of Strategic Planning and Results, the Department of Emergency, Security and Supply and other Headquarters Divisions in order to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of financial accounting and reporting at UNHCR. The incumbent maintains frequent contact with finance staff and managers in field locations to advise them on accounting and financial reporting issues.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Manage, plan and monitor the work of the Central Accounting Unit, provide direction and focus, motivate and coach to maximize overall effectiveness of the Unit.
• Coordinate the drafting of the Financial Statements of UNHCR.
• Ensure the provision of technical advice and guidance on accounting, periodic accounts closure and other accounting compliance matters to Field Offices and HQ Departments.
• Monitor accounting data to ensure compliance with UNHCR’s Financial Rules and accounting policies, follow through on identified issues, and inform management of any matters that affect the accuracy of the accounts.
• Ensure accounting transactions of the Unit are recorded accurately, completely and in a timely fashion.
• Carry out analysis of processes, systems and internal controls and make recommendations for streamlining and improving them, including enhancements to the ERP system. Propose and implement changes upon due coordination with other concerned parties.
• Prepare variance analysis on monthly financial reports for management.
• Contribute to the preparation of closing instructions and manage the Unit’s work plan for the month-end and year-end closure of accounts.
• Ensure timely and accurate data provision to the Board of Auditors and the internal auditors as per the audit schedule and in response to audit queries.
• Review Monetary Asset Write-off Requests, organize related review meetings and coordinate the recording of the approved write-offs.
• Ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidance notes relevant to the area are fit-for purpose and regularly updated.
• Obtain from HQ and field offices any information necessary to carry out the responsibilities.
• Clear the submission of accounting data to Board of Auditors for the items assigned to the Unit as per the audit liaison schedule and respond to audit queries of a technical nature.
• Contribute to training plans and content development and undertake ad-hoc Field missions for training and capacity building.
• Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Association of Chartered Certified Accountant – ACCA Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Certified Public Accountant

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Relevant previous job experience in the field of accounting, finance or external audit which includes international setting and supervisory experience. Good understanding of international financial accounting and reporting standards (such as IPSAS or IFRS) and experience in providing guidance on the practical application of these standards. Working experience with ERP Systems, such as Oracle or SAP, with good knowledge of financial modules. Internationally recognized post-graduate professional accounting designation (CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.).

Desirable

Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures. Exposure to UNHCR field operations. Exposure to humanitarian field operations and specific training/learning activities of UNHCR. Knowledge of any other UN languages.

Functional Skills

FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards

FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)

FI-Financial auditing

IT-Computer Literacy

CO-Drafting and Documentation

IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge

UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships

IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software

CO-Cross-cultural communication

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Leadership

Managing Performance

Managing Resources

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Technological Awareness

Planning and Organizing

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Qualifications: Possess an internationally recognized post-graduate professional accounting designation (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.).
• Experience: Extensive background in the preparation and/or audit of financial statements under frameworks such as IFRS or IPSAS, ideally within large commercial or public entities.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb, interpret, and implement new accounting standards and practices.
• Leadership Skills: Proven managerial abilities with a track record of effectively leading and motivating a diverse team of technical experts and accountants.
• Communication: Strong drafting skills in English with experience in handling complex technical accounting documentation.
• Collaboration: Experienced in cross-organizational coordination and adept at managing both internal and external audits.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

This pivotal role offers the chance to lead and innovate within our dynamic Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM). The Head of the Central Accounting Unit plays a crucial role in monitoring and overseeing UNHCR’s accounts globally, preparing its financial statements and providing value added accounts analytics and advisory services to Headquarters divisions and field offices worldwide. UNHCR’s dedicated accounting specialists handle a large variety of tasks that are central to our accounting functions, while also providing support to UNHCR’s field finance functions across more than 130 countries worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Report and ensure compliance of the organization’s annual financial statements with UN Financial Regulations, UNHCR Financial Rules, and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Enhance financial systems by applying professional accounting skills to monitor, analyze, improve, and enhance accounting flows. Adopt new standards, policies and innovative accounting approaches to facilitate UNHCR’s work.
• Collaborate within and across divisions, including with the Treasury Service and the Divisions of Strategic Planning and Results, and Emergency, Security, and Supply, to boost the accuracy and effectiveness of financial reporting across UNHCR.
• Mentor and manage a diverse team, providing guidance on complex accounting issues and fostering an environment of professional growth and excellence.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, CO-Drafting and Documentation, FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-Financial auditing, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), IT-ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Functional Knowledge, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance

Certifications

Association of Chartered Certified Accountant – ACCA, Certified Public Accountant – Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) – Other, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – CIMA

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance