Finance Officer

Organizational Context

This position is within the Financial Reporting and Oversight Unit (FROU) of the Accounts Section (AS), part of the Financial Resources Management Service (FRMS) in the Division for Management (DM) at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The role reports to the Chief, FROU, and is under the overall supervision of the Chief, AS.

Job Purpose

The Finance Officer manages comprehensive financial operations for the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), handling diverse funding sources and a high volume of transactions. This role ensures financial integrity and compliance with UN Financial Regulations and Rules by approving expenditures, analyzing accounts, and preparing financial reports. The officer is crucial for maintaining accurate accounting, reporting, and internal control systems, consolidating financial statements, and responding to audit observations. The position contributes to data-driven decision-making through financial analysis and supports the development of new accounting systems. It also involves guiding clients and field offices on financial processes, overseeing EU funding compliance, monitoring risk management, and coordinating audit activities, thereby ensuring robust financial governance and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

The Finance Officer is responsible for managing a complete financial operation, encompassing diverse funding sources, a large volume of transactions, and extensive dispersed activities such as grant management, treasury, payroll, and bank reconciliation. This includes supervising and directing the functional units of the Accounts Section. A core duty is to approve and confirm proposed obligations and expenditures for services, supplies, equipment, and personnel, ensuring strict adherence to UN Financial Regulations and Rules, relevant appropriations, and approved allotments. The officer analyzes accounts, prepares regular financial reports, and proposes solutions for problem transactions and irregularities. They are tasked with ensuring accurate and complete accounting, reporting, and internal control systems are fully functional, and that all relevant financial records are meticulously maintained. This role involves preparing and consolidating financial statements for all entities under UNOV's delegated authority and effectively responding to internal and external audit observations. Furthermore, the Finance Officer collects and analyzes data to identify trends, providing insights through data visualization for informed planning and decision-making. They offer substantive support for the development and implementation of new accounting systems, proactively seeking to improve accounting processes. The officer also guides, supports, and trains clients and Field Offices on finance-related processes and specific cases, supervises activities related to EU funding compliance, monitors and reports on risk management, and oversees the coordination of internal and external audits. Finally, the role includes guiding, training, and supervising general service and professional staff within the team.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administration is required. Essential experience includes working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and preparing Financial Statements. Desirable experience includes auditing accounts prepared according to International Accounting Standards (IPSAS or IFRS), working with an SAP system, experience in data analytics, and grants management.

Skills

Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of ERP accounting systems (UMOJA/SAP), MS Excel, accounting principles, and standards. Strong analytical, evaluative, and research skills for financial operations and data interpretation. Planning and Organizing: Ability to set goals, prioritize, allocate resources, foresee risks, and manage time efficiently. Client Orientation: Building productive partnerships, identifying client needs, and delivering timely services. Managing Performance: Delegating responsibility, clarifying roles, monitoring progress, providing feedback, and supporting staff development.

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