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 is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for assigned project or office accounts. This includes meticulously recording receipts and payments, ensuring computational accuracy and document completeness, and monitoring allotment status against obligations. The role involves preparing regular reports on account status, highlighting any cost overruns or shortfalls, and generating special reports as needed. Additionally, the incumbent will calculate cost estimates, project budget requirements, and assist in budget statement preparation. They will also handle routine correspondence, liaise with external parties regarding accounts, and maintain contact with local banks to resolve queries. A key aspect is briefing and assisting new staff on fundamental financial procedures, entitlements, and banking requirements.

Responsibilities

Maintain financial records for assigned project or office accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Record all receipts and payments, verify computations, and ensure all supporting documents are in order. Monitor the status of allotments against financial obligations on a continuous basis. Prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, identifying and documenting any issues related to excess costs or lower-than-expected receipts. Generate special reports to provide clarification on financial matters or as requested. Calculate and compile cost estimates and projected budget requirements. Assist in the preparation of budget statements for the assigned area. Prepare routine correspondence related to financial matters. Maintain contact with internal staff at various levels and with external bank officials to exchange information and discuss account-related issues. Clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts by liaising with local banks. Brief and assist new staff members on basic financial procedures, payment processes, entitlements, banking provisions, currency regulations, and other finance-related requirements. Initiate correspondence to verify data, respond to queries, and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions. Support the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting the area of responsibility, ensuring risk-based decision-making. Escalate risks, issues, and concerns to supervisors or relevant colleagues. Perform other related duties as required.

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 Transaction Processing Report Preparation Budgeting Cost Estimation Correspondence Bank Liaison Financial Procedures Briefing Data Verification Risk Management ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday) Microsoft Office Suite

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