Finance and Budget Assistant
Organizational Context
The Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) provides comprehensive financial and administrative support for DESA's capacity development programs and projects. This includes managing funds from the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation, the Development Account, and extra-budgetary sources. CDPMO also supports the UN Secretariat's Junior Professional Officers Programme. The Finance and Budget Assistant reports to the Finance and Budget Officer.
Job Purpose
The Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the financial operations of the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) within DESA. This involves assisting in the preparation of cost estimates and budget proposals, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, and processing financial transactions such as requisitions and special service agreements. The role ensures accurate financial data, supports budget performance reporting by analyzing variances, and maintains compliance with UN financial policies and procedures. The incumbent also handles financial inquiries and may provide guidance to other general service staff, contributing to the efficient management of DESA's diverse funding streams and programs.
Responsibilities
The Finance and Budget Assistant is responsible for preparing supporting documents for cost estimates and budget proposals, including staff and non-staff requirements. They assist managers in developing resource requirements and support budget reviews for intergovernmental bodies. Key duties include monitoring expenditures, preparing necessary adjustments, and processing requisitions for goods and services, ensuring correct expenditure coding and fund availability. The role involves assisting in budget performance reporting, analyzing variances, and verifying data accuracy for consistency. Additionally, the assistant coordinates with finance and budget staff, stays updated on relevant guidelines, responds to financial inquiries, maintains files, and may supervise junior staff. Performing other related duties is also part of the role.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. Experience with grants, funds management, and ERP systems like SAP is necessary. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reconciliation is essential. Experience with extra-budgetary resources, financial statement preparation, travel request certification, and BI/data analytics tools is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Client Orientation, Knowledge of UN financial rules and procedures, Budget preparation and monitoring, Expenditure control, Data analysis and reconciliation, ERP system proficiency (e.g., SAP), Microsoft Excel, Communication.