Accounting Assistant

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides advisory services across the organization. Within DOS, the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section handles global payroll, payments, and income tax claims. This role is within the Income Tax Unit, reporting to the Chief of the Unit, and supports the ERP/UN Tax system.

Job Purpose

The Accounting Assistant role is integral to the Income Tax Unit within the UN Secretariat's Department of Operational Support. This position focuses on ensuring the accuracy and validity of financial transactions, particularly those related to payroll and income tax claims. The role involves scrutinizing source documents, investigating discrepancies, reconciling accounts, and assisting with data transmission to tax authorities. By performing detailed audits and analysis of accounting data, the Accounting Assistant contributes to the correct processing of disbursements and adherence to financial regulations, supporting the overall efficiency of the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include scrutinizing source documents for accuracy and validity, investigating and correcting erroneous charges, and communicating with field offices regarding documentation issues. The role involves reconciling suspense accounts, assisting with US tax authority data transmission, and recording/reconciling complex accounting transactions. Extracting and analyzing financial data to verify accuracy is crucial. The Accounting Assistant will audit various transactions like payroll, education grants, and travel claims, ensuring compliance with regulations. This position may also serve as an Approving Officer for disbursements, provide guidance and training to colleagues, and supervise other General Service staff within the Income Tax Unit. Drafting memoranda, coordinating between business areas, and responding to queries are also part of the duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of six years of experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administrative services is required. This is reduced to five years with a first-level university degree. Four years of experience specifically in transactional accounting (e.g., payroll, US income tax, vendor/travel claims) and ERP system usage is mandatory. Experience with UN systems and procedures, disbursements, and financial regulations is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Client Orientation, knowledge of financial regulations and rules, data analysis, problem-solving, time management, and effective communication.

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