Finance Assistant
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat's Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, specifically the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, houses the Cashier's Office. This office is responsible for managing the organization's global cash, including investments, currency and country risk management, and payment disbursements.
Job Purpose
This role is crucial for the effective management of the UN's global cash and payment operations. The Finance Assistant will execute daily payment processes, manage bank account replenishments worldwide, and handle foreign exchange transactions. Key contributions include ensuring timely settlement of payments, accurate record-keeping in Umoja, and resolving payment discrepancies. The position also supports payroll and staff benefit payments, maintains banking details, and assists with bank reconciliations, directly contributing to the financial stability and operational efficiency of the Organization.
Responsibilities
Manage daily payment processes and prepare cash management spreadsheets. Replenish approximately 150 UN House Bank accounts globally, creating Foreign Exchange (FX) requests and confirming transactions via Bloomberg FXGO. Record FX transactions in Umoja and process US Dollar replenishment requests. Ensure excess cash is invested and request funds during shortages. Monitor bank account replenishments, FX settlements, and SWIFT transactions, resolving any issues. Liaise with payroll and travel units for staff payments and monitor these processes. Process and verify payment proposals, amend exceptions, and ensure timely release and execution of payments. Conduct payment investigations, initiate stop-payment actions, and communicate with banks to resolve discrepancies. Assist with bank reconciliations and support the Treasury cash management team. Maintain banking details records in Umoja and assist internal and external parties with related queries.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, banking, or treasury is required. This is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), payment systems (e.g., SWIFT), and Microsoft Excel is mandatory. Experience with international organization payment processes and banking systems is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Cash Management, Payment Processing, Financial Regulations, Banking Systems, Problem-Solving, Planning and Organizing, Client Orientation, Attention to Detail, Communication.