Senior Finance Assistant

Organizational Context

The Senior Finance Assistant is supervised by a more senior finance colleague, receiving guidance on work objectives. The role involves processing financial transactions and maintaining frequent contact with internal staff and external bank officials to exchange information, adhering to UNHCR manuals and policies.

Job Purpose

The Senior Finance Assistant's primary purpose is to support the finance department by accurately maintaining financial records for assigned project or office accounts. This involves meticulously recording receipts and payments, ensuring computational accuracy and document completeness, and monitoring allotment statuses against obligations. The role also entails preparing regular reports on account statuses, highlighting any cost overruns or shortfalls, and generating special reports as needed. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in calculating cost estimates, projecting budget requirements, and preparing budget statements for their area of assignment, contributing to effective financial planning and oversight within UNHCR.

Responsibilities

The Senior Finance Assistant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for assigned project or office accounts, including recording receipts and payments, ensuring computational accuracy, and verifying document completeness. They will monitor the status of allotments against obligations and prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, identifying and noting any issues related to excess costs or lower-than-expected receipts. The role also involves preparing special reports to clarify problems or fulfill specific requests. The incumbent will calculate and compile cost estimates and projected budget requirements, assisting in the preparation of budget statements for their area of assignment. They will also prepare routine correspondence and maintain contact with relevant parties to discuss account-related matters and contracts. Maintaining contact with local banks to clarify queries regarding office bank accounts is another key responsibility. Furthermore, the Senior Finance Assistant will brief and assist new staff on basic financial procedures, including payments, entitlements, banking, and currency provisions. They will initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries, and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions. The role includes supporting the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting their area of responsibility, ensuring risk-based decision-making, and escalating risks, issues, and concerns to supervisors or colleagues.

Work Experience

2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Skills

Financial record maintenance Receipt and payment recording Allotment monitoring Report preparation Cost estimation Budget projection Budget statement preparation Correspondence preparation Bank liaison Financial procedure briefing Risk management IT-Computer Literacy

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