Finance and Budget Assistant

Organizational Context

This Finance and Budget Assistant position is within the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section of the Department of Operational Support (DOS) at the UN Secretariat. DOS provides operational advisory services across the Secretariat. The section handles global payroll, payments, travel finance, vendor payments, and system enhancements. The role reports to the Chief of the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section.

Job Purpose

The Finance and Budget Assistant is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and preparing payments related to travel and training expenses, as well as managing travel advances and settlements. This role involves scrutinizing financial documents for accuracy and validity, investigating discrepancies, and taking corrective actions. The assistant will reconcile suspense accounts, extract and analyze financial data, and assist in preparing financial statements. Additionally, the role supports budget preparation, monitors expenditures against approved budgets, and analyzes variances. The position also involves auditing various accounting transactions to ensure compliance with financial regulations and serves as an Approving Officer for disbursements up to an authorized level.

Responsibilities

The Finance and Budget Assistant manages travel and training-related payments, including expense reports and advances, and clears related open items. Responsibilities include scrutinizing source documents for accuracy and validity, investigating and correcting erroneous charges, and reconciling suspense accounts. The role involves extracting and analyzing financial data from accounting systems, preparing worksheets, and assisting with financial statements. Auditing accounting transactions such as payroll, vendor payments, and travel claims to ensure compliance with regulations is key. The assistant will also support budget preparation, monitor expenditures against budgets, analyze variances, and maintain financial database integrity. Providing guidance and training to colleagues and assisting with urgent projects are also part of the role.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, or accounting is required. This is reduced to five years with a first-level university degree. Required experience includes analyzing and clearing Accounts Payable/Receivable items, using ERP systems (like Umoja or SAP), processing travel disbursements, managing CPM processes, and preparing accounting entries. Experience with UN systems and procedures is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism in applying UN financial rules and regulations. Ability to extract, interpret, and analyze financial data. Skill in identifying and resolving data discrepancies. Strong planning and organizing abilities. Client orientation and ability to maintain productive partnerships. Proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, speaking).

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