Finance Officer (Invoice Processing)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to achieve a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood system globally. The Shared Services Centre (SSC) in Budapest, Hungary, is crucial for executing and improving processes in HR, Finance, Payroll, Travel, and ERP support. The SSC focuses on quality assurance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement through standardization and automation, enhancing service excellence and reducing costs. The Finance team includes Global Supporting Functions and Regional Invoice Processing, with the Finance Officer leading the latter.

Job Purpose

The Finance Officer (Invoice Processing) provides essential technical and strategic oversight for core finance functions, including fixed assets, bank reconciliation, payment processing, and vendor/banking services. This role ensures strict adherence to FAO accounting policies, UN financial regulations, and IPSAS, thereby safeguarding the accuracy and completeness of financial records. The officer will exercise technical supervision over accounting teams, offer expert guidance on complex financial matters, manage key accounting controls and reconciliations, and actively support the enhancement of accounting frameworks, processes, and financial governance to align with organizational objectives and best practices.

Responsibilities

The Finance Officer (Invoice Processing) is responsible for leading and/or participating in teams, contributing financial expertise to organizational committees, and supervising staff. This role involves overseeing and contributing to financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and investment activities in compliance with FAO policies. The officer will develop and update operational, policy, accounting, control, and risk management frameworks, incorporating modern methodologies and streamlined processes. Responsibilities include analyzing financial information for statutory and management reports, responding to requests for financial and regulatory advice, and building effective relationships with banks, financial institutions, donors, and UN financial executives. Furthermore, the role entails promoting best practices, leading training initiatives, providing strategic oversight of the finance service delivery model, and driving innovation in financial management through digital solutions and data-driven practices.

Work Experience

Requires seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, or business analysis with a Master's degree, or nine years of experience with a Bachelor's degree and a professional accountancy/investment qualification. Experience in accounting and managing accounting functions is essential. Knowledge of ERP systems and reporting tools, along with experience analyzing financial reports within corporate ERP systems, is highly desirable. Experience in a shared services or business support center is also preferred.

Skills

Strong analytical skills for problem-solving and developing practical solutions. Excellent computer skills. Extensive knowledge and experience with ERP systems and reporting tools, particularly in analyzing financial reports. Experience in accounting and managing accounting functions is crucial. Familiarity with shared services or business support centers is highly desirable. A professional qualification (CFA, CCM, CA, CPA) is preferred. Working knowledge of French or Spanish is highly desirable.

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