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Responsibilities:
Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the Finance Associate - Team Lead provides leadership in the execution of financial services at UNU-WIDER, ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources, integrity of financial services. The Finance Team Lead promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UN and UNU regulations and rules, and UN Values and Behaviour Framework.
Ensures administration and implementation of UNU-WIDER financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Ensures compliance with UN/UNU regulations and rules, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system;
Coordinates Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with the COO;
Elaborates proposals and implements cost saving and reduction strategies in consultation with COO and UNU-WIDER senior management; and
Prepares results-oriented workplans for the Finance team.
Ensures administration of operational budgets and functioning of optimal cost-recovery systems, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Prepares and modifies operational budgets and follows up with COO on authorized spending limits for management projects;
Implements control mechanisms for Core Non-Programme projects through robust monitoring of budget preparation, execution and modifications
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Presenting thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources at UNU-WIDER, with reports containing analysis of the financial situation; and
Timely preparation of cost-recovery bills for the services provided by UNU-WIDER, elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.
Provides accounting leadership to the Finance Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:
As Team Lead for Finance Unit acts as line manager and supervisor. Responsible for team performance management functions;
Acts as an Approving Officer (AO) in accordance with established regulations and rules;
Ensures proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports;
Ensures proper control of accruals;
Develops and maintains internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in the ERP system; travel claims, and other entitlements are duly processed;
Ensures timely closure and review of accounts, including requisitions, purchase orders and contracts, at month-end and year-end;
Ensures timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, and unapproved vouchers;
Ensures timely response to UNU HQ requests to resolve financial data issues, including follow-up of vouchers with errors;
Ensures proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals;
Ensures the maintenance of Accounts Receivables and follow up with Partnerships and Programme Support Unit (PPSU) on contributions;
Ensures timely VAT reporting for the Finnish authorities; and
Prepares financial reports for Programme and Project Support Unit (PPSU) and UNU-WIDER senior management, as required.
Ensures proper cash management functioning, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Ensures timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements;
Ensures timely identification and recording of receipts for income application;
Reviews account bank statements to monitor imprest level, identifies and records contributions;
Acts as the primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters;
Ensures timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations;
Prepares bank transfers for approval and settlements;
Prepares timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecasts;
Acts as cashier for cash disbursements made on site; and
Coordinates information on administrative services provided for cost-recovery bills.
Ensures effective financial control in UNU-WIDER offices, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Supports the creation of vendor set-up information in ERP system;
Coordinates the preparation of budget, audit, and other reports; and
Ensures provision of relevant and researched information and reports for audit exercises.
Ensures the facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing at UNU-WIDER, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Organizes briefing to incoming personnel on issues relating to area of work;
Organizes training to UNU-WIDER on financial procedures; and
Provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Performs other tasks as requested by the Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Required Qualifications and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree in in Finance, Business or Public Administration or secondary education with a specialized certification in Accounting and Finance, with two years of additional experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Part-qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
At least 4 years of progressively responsible finance, accounting, and administrative or programme support experience,
Advanced knowledge and experience in the use of MS Office such as Excel and Word.
Strong ability to support the planning, monitoring, and implementation of travel, administrative and event logistic arrangements.
Strong ability to work under minimal supervision and with a high level of resilience.
Strong ability to establish priorities, multitask, and work within tight timelines.
Experience in the handling of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or other web-based management systems.
Knowledge of UN systems is an advantage.
Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is desirable.
Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, resilience, and an interest in development work.
Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of the national Language of the duty station is desirable.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
