Finance Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingIn February 2006, the United Nations System decided to fund a jointly-financed project to support the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) throughout the United Nations System. All 37 United Nations System organizations have since successfully completed implementation of IPSAS. The role of the system-wide IPSAS project through its Task Force is to facilitate and coordinate dialogue amongst UN system organizations on accounting and financial reporting issues and practices. The Task Force, under the auspices of the Finance and Budget Network (FBN), promotes consistent interpretation and application of IPSAS requirements across the UN System. Furthermore, the Task Force facilitates IPSAS post implementation activities through systematic and practical exchange and deliberation of substantive issues. The project’s current focus is on the common implementation of newly issued IPSAS standards, addressing implications of revisions of current IPSAS alongside ongoing IPSAS compliance, as well as representing the System views at IPSAS Board meetings. This position is currently located in the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) in the United Nations Secretariat, New York. The incumbent reports to the Chair of the UN System Task Force on Accounting Standards (TFAS). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Finance and Budget Officer (UN System-Wide IPSAS Project Coordinator) will be responsible for the following activities: - Assist with coordination and liaison with United Nations System organizations, supporting the Task Force on Accounting Standards and providing the main platform for facilitating information-sharing on IPSAS implementation and post-implementation; - Support the Chair of the Task Force on Accounting Standards; - Facilitate the monitoring and managing of accounting diversity in the United Nations System, assisting with conducting in-depth analysis of issues and the coordination of technical guidance as necessary; - Assist with soliciting technical advice on specific IPSAS-related issues to individual United Nations System organizations; - Facilitate consideration of common implementation and post-implementation issues in the United Nations System, and the sharing of practical approaches to such issues through working groups; - Keep abreast of the latest developments in standards and pronouncements issued by the IPSAS Board (the standard-setting body) including supporting the Chair of TFAS in participation in the Board’s quarterly meetings as necessary; coordinate the review of the standards and the impact on United Nations System organizations, taking into consideration the changes in the IPSAS Board’s pronouncements including the Conceptual Framework; - Drafting progress reports, if required, to the various governing bodies of United Nations System organizations, including coordinating/preparing responses to inquiries made by the governing bodies; - Provide support to the networks of the High-Level Committee on Management of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (HLCM), especially the Finance and Budget Network, and participate in their meetings as necessary; - Assist the Chair in Interaction with the audit function, especially the Technical Group of the Panel of Auditors of the UN System organizations; - Lead efforts to maintain the collaborative web-based platforms of the project and encourage sharing of knowledge and experience by United Nations System organizations through such platforms; - Manage the system-wide IPSAS project’s overall activities, project financial resources, outputs and deliverables, including assisting the Chair in the establishment of the project’s work plan. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Expert knowledge of international accounting standards and managerial experience in the specific areas being supervised, especially application of IPSAS. Shows ability to support the implementation of IPSAS. Proven analytical skills and ability to provide technical advice in stakeholders. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in accounting or related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience in accounting or related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationCertification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is required. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in development of accounting policies preferably with an exposure to public standard setting process, and management experience in adopting international accounting standards is required. Relevant experience with a UN system organization or a similar international organization’s conversion to a new accounting standard (including IPSAS) is desirable. Progressively responsible experience in the standards setting process, preferably with exposure to public sector accounting or financial auditing of the application of standards is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).