Finance Analyst at UNDP

Job ID: 7941
Grade: NOB
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension

Background

• Under the guidance and supervision of the DCD-O the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the Country Office (CO) Finance Unit.
• He/she analyses and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues.
• The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
• The Finance Analyst supervises and leads the staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and with UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful CO performance in Finance.

Duties and Responsibilities
Implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adaptation of processes and procedures:

• Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system.
• CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance, control of the workflows in the Finance Unit.
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects.
• Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts.
• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
• Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.

Management of project budgets and organization of an optimal cost-recovery system:

• Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects.
• Establishment of the development projects budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels.
• Sending project budget to KK if authorized by the Senior Management (can be done only on the basis of signed prodocs and project budgets).
• Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management.
• Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP.
• Regular analysis and reporting on budget approvals and the delivery situation of management projects.
• Collection of information on internal and external clients satisfaction and needs in order to develop improved services.

Control of CO accounts:

• Elaboration of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed, receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals are properly done in compliance with IPSAS and UNDP policies and procedures.
• Manager level 1 in Atlas.
• Control of accounts closure.
• Approval of vendors in Atlas.
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
• Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and maintenance of the General Ledger.

CO Cash Management:

• Timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNDP staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
• Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions.
• Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishment's.
• Member of bank signatory panel.
• Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate reports to Treasury.
• Timely and accurate approval of bank reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions.
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement.
• Performing Pay cycle manager role in Atlas.
• Timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters:

• Organization/conduct of training for the operations/programme/projects staff on financial management and RBM.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Requirements
Core Competencies:

• Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work
• Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow
• People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
• Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
• Delivery: Ability to get things done

Technical/Functional Competencies:

• Building Partnerships
• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
• Job Knowledge / Technical Expertise
• Promoting Organizational Change and Development
• Client Orientation

Education:

• Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Finance/Accounting, Business, or Public Administration, or a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy.
• Professionally qualified accountants from an internationally recognized institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• UNDP Advanced Accountancy & Finance Test required.

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience in providing financial management and accounting advisory services, managing staff and operational systems.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in English and in the national language of the duty station.