Contract InformationThe first year of contract will be probationary with the possibility of further extension subject to satisfactory performance. This post is limited to local status* only.*Local status requires applicants to have unhindered permission to live and work in the UK. Our General Service positions are full-time and are only open to candidates with right to work in the UK. Please check your right to work before applying to this role
Salary InformationApproximately ยฃ40,487 net per annum, (subject to deductions), free of income tax in the UK. Excellent benefits including medical insurance and UN pension scheme
PurposeThe Finance Assistant (G6) plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of financial operations by ensuring accurate transaction processing, reconciliations, and compliance with IPSAS and IMOโs Financial Regulations and Rules. This position provides specialized technical support in general ledger management, donor reporting, financial reconciliations, and compliance. The incumbent will work closely with finance teams, procurement officers, and external stakeholders to resolve financial discrepancies, enhance internal controls, and support efficient financial operationsโparticularly in donor-funded and project-based activities
Duties and ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:General Ledger Review and Oversight:o Oversee and manage lease liability schedules, ensuring compliance with IPSAS 43, and prepare associated monthly accounting entries.o Manage and reconcile prepayments and accruals, ensuring accurate month-end processing and adherence to financial reporting standards.o Lead the reconciliation and settlement of Interfund accounts, identifying variances and preparing adjusting journal entries. o Coordinate the settlement of Donor Funds through the Organizationโs Treasury accounts, ensuring compliance with financial policies and donor requirements.o Conduct in-depth reviews of General Ledger (GL) transactions, ensuring accurate classification and correct application of GL codes for goods and services.o Strengthen data integrity and financial reporting by refining descriptive text fields and recommending adjustments where necessary.o Identify and analyze recurring financial discrepancies, recommending and implementing process improvements, including system enhancements and targeted training initiatives.o Review SAP commitments (requisitions and purchase orders) to validate correct GL code selection and provide advisory support on GL reclassification for requisitioners and procurement officers.o Perform comprehensive revenue transaction reviews, ensuring data accuracy and completeness, and initiate corrective journal entries as required.Compliance, Reporting, and Audit Support:o Lead the preparation of the Statement of Internal Control, managing the distribution, review, and analysis of responses, and reporting key findings to senior management.o Maintain and oversee a donor reporting calendar, ensuring timely and compliant submission of donor reports in line with organizational and donor-specific requirements.o Serve as a key liaison for financial queries, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues, propose solutions, and enhance financial accuracy.o Ensure audit readiness by maintaining comprehensive financial documentation, ensuring full compliance with IPSAS standards and internal financial policies.Management of Bank Reconciliations:o Lead the daily bank reconciliation process of about 50 bank accounts, ensuring alignment between bank statements and ledger balances while maintaining robust internal financial controls.o Analyze and resolve complex reconciling items, escalating issues where required and preparing detailed bank reconciliation reports for management review.o Supervise and optimize the integration of banking data, overseeing the download, upload, and clearing of transactions from internet banking platforms.o Identify and investigate high-risk unmatched or missing transactions, working closely with stakeholders to implement corrective measures and process improvements.Other Responsibilities:o Develop, maintain, and update comprehensive SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance across business processes.o Create clear and detailed process flow charts to visualize current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and support process improvements.o Analyze operational processes to identify control risks, assess potential impacts, and recommend appropriate mitigation actions to strengthen internal controls.o Provide backup for the monthly payroll process, ensuring payroll transactions are accurate and comply with internal financial controls
Required CompetenciesDemonstrated ability to work independently under general guidance, with high degree of accuracy, initiative and judgment.Demonstrated ability to multitask and to work under pressure whilst maintaining excellent quality and attention to deadlines and details.Strong knowledge of IPSAS, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and financial reconciliations, with the ability to apply financial policies effectively.Ability to identify patterns in financial data, assess discrepancies, and drive corrective actions.Good communication skills, including the ability to draft and present issues in a clear manner.Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment/ team and to establish working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
ExperienceAt least six years of relevant experience in financial accounting, operations, reconciliation, and control
EducationSecondary education to University standard is essential โ if that degree is not in finance/accounting then a minimum part-qualification (e.g. CIMA, CPA, CA, ACCA) would also be an asset
Language SkillsProficiency in English, both written and oral is essential. Knowledge of any other official languages of the UN system may be an asset
OthersProficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel and working knowledge of PowerPoint. Professional experience in using an Enterprise Resource Planning software, using SAP, would be highly advantageous