Senior Finance Assistant
Organizational Context
The Senior Finance Assistant is supervised by a 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. All UNHCR staff are accountable for their duties, adhering to UNHCR's policies and core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
Job Purpose
The Senior Finance Assistant is responsible for maintaining financial records for assigned project or office accounts. This includes accurately recording receipts and payments, ensuring documentation completeness, and monitoring allotments against obligations. The role involves preparing regular financial reports, highlighting any cost issues or budget variances, and generating special reports as needed. Additionally, the incumbent will calculate and compile cost estimates, assist in budget preparation, and handle routine correspondence related to accounts. A key aspect is maintaining contact with local banks to resolve queries regarding office accounts and providing basic financial guidance to new staff on payments, entitlements, and banking procedures.
Responsibilities
The Senior Finance Assistant will maintain financial records for assigned project or office accounts, ensuring the accuracy of computations and the completeness of supporting documents. They will record receipts and payments, and maintain a continuous status of allotments against obligations. The role involves preparing recurring reports on assigned accounts, identifying and noting problems related to excess costs or lower-than-expected receipts, and preparing special reports to clarify issues 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. Maintaining contact with local banks to clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts is another key responsibility. Furthermore, the Senior Finance Assistant will brief and assist new staff on basic financial procedures and requirements, 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 also 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. Performing other related duties as required is also part of the role.
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
Maintain financial records Record receipts and payments Prepare financial reports Calculate cost estimates Assist in budget preparation Prepare routine correspondence Liaise with bank officials Brief new staff on financial procedures Verify financial data Manage financial risks Computer Literacy Financial Management (ERP)