Accounting Assistant

Organizational Context

This position is within the Income Tax Unit of the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section, Division of Administration, Department of Operational Support. This department provides operational advisory services across the Secretariat, including to field missions and regional commissions. The Section processes global payroll, payments, and income tax claims, offering policy advice and system enhancements.

Job Purpose

The Accounting Assistant is responsible for scrutinizing source documents for accuracy and validity, investigating and correcting erroneous charges, and reconciling suspense accounts. The role involves assisting with data transmission to US tax authorities, recording and reconciling complex accounting transactions, and analyzing financial data. A key function is auditing various accounting transactions such as payroll, education grants, and travel claims to ensure compliance with staff rules and financial regulations. The position may also involve serving as an Approving Officer for disbursements, providing guidance to colleagues, and potentially supervising other General Service staff within the Income Tax Unit.

Responsibilities

Scrutinize source documents for completeness, accuracy, and validity of charges. Investigate and correct erroneous accounting entries. Communicate with field offices and other entities regarding documentation discrepancies. Reconcile and review suspense accounts, ensuring proper clearance procedures. Assist with compliance data transmission to US tax authorities. Record and reconcile complex accounting transactions. Extract and analyze financial data from the accounting system. Audit accounting transactions including payroll, education grants, and travel claims for correctness and compliance. Serve as an Approving Officer for disbursements up to an authorized level. Provide guidance and training to colleagues. Supervise General Service staff in client service and file management. Draft memoranda and coordinate between business areas. Respond to queries from staff and third parties.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven 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 in transactional accounting activities like payroll, US income tax, and vendor/travel claims processing is mandatory. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is also required. Experience with the UN or a large global organization, and with disbursements and relevant regulations, is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Client Orientation, knowledge of financial regulations and rules, accounting policies and practices, data analysis, problem-solving, communication, and ERP systems proficiency.

Explore related opportunities