Finance Associate (two positions)

Location:	Sunninghill, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Type:	Temporary
Posted:	8th Jan 2009
Closing Date:	1st Jan 2009
Posted By:	United Nations Office for Project Services
Details:
Finance Associate (two positions) Duties and Responsibilities Under the guidance and supervision of the Regional Finance Management Officer, the Finance Associate acts as the regional finance focal point and provides leadership in execution of financial services in the region ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services. The Finance Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations. The Finance Associate supervises and leads the support staff of the AFO Finance Unit. The Finance Associate works in close collaboration with Project Managers and Project teams. Project Planning Provides direct support and advice to Regional Office and UNOPS portfolio managers during the development and implementation of project acquisition. Specifically, guides portfolio managers in ensuring that financial aspects of new business sought can be efficiently implemented by UNOPS and that the financial components of project proposals are in line with corporate UNOPS policies, specifically UNOPS’ activity-based pricing framework. Thereinafter, the Finance Associate works closely with the Regional Finance Management Officer in ensuring that new projects are established with sound financial and budgetary baselines, ensuring that such baseline contribute to the effective monitoring and financial performance of new projects. Client Reporting The Finance Associate oversees the client reporting requirements of projects and clients within the remit of his/her region of responsibility, ensuring that the organization be able to rapidly and cost-efficiently provide financial reports to a variety of UN and government clients in formats meeting the external reporting requirements of its clients. • Prepares monthly expenditure schedules and quarterly and year-end statements. • Liaise with project staff and Regional Office to verify, correct, add and improve quality of financial activities of a particular project, including financial reports. • Liaise with other finance staff in the organization in the preparation of payments, data reconciliation, client reporting, or audit activities. Budgetary and Project Costing Support • Extract required financial information from UNOPS project agreements and sets up necessary accounts in line with existing UNOPS financial policies and procedures. • Project budget and budget revisions. • Assist in the maintenance of budget databases by verifying and inputting approved budgets. • Review and adjust project expenditures/obligations against approved budgets. Treasury • Reviews and confirms appropriateness of operational transactions processed through the interpretation and determination of applicable policies, regulations, rules, i.e. disbursements within authorized limits, payroll, contractual agreements, payments to suppliers, travel claims, etc. • Examine payment requests for completeness prior to processing, ensuring that documentation needed is complete and that all required procedures are fulfilled to enable the payment. • Review and confirm validity of charges by verifying authorized amounts and ensure availability of budget and funds. • Maintenance and control of petty cash fund and prepare report for replenishment. Accounting • Reviews transactions and financial data in UNOPS ERP system. • Review vouchers and supporting documentation for accuracy and correctness of accounts codes charges and input transactions in the computerized accounting and finance system. • Analyse reports, investigate and prepare adjustment as required. • Prepares recurring, ad-hoc or special financial reports as required. • Communicate with colleagues/clients on areas requiring verification, corrections, additional information, etc. to improve quality of output and/or account submission and increase knowledge base in the process. Billing • Ensure all appropriate billing actions are taken expeditiously, within appropriate procedures, and with close coordination with field-based projects operations centers , especially with regards to tracking unapplied income. Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned. Required Competencies & Knowledge • Proven conceptual analytical and evaluative skills and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. A complete in-depth grasp of financial principles and practices. • Knowledge of project management, especially with regard to project start-ups, highly desirable. • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision. • Solid computer skills including proficiency in Excel. Knowledge of other software applications (such as databases) and Peoplesoft ERP would be desirable. • Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the area. • Willingness to travel in area of responsibility, including to hazardous duty stations. • Proven ability to write in a clear concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with financial counterparts and substantive offices. Ability to communicate technical financial matters in a simple and clear manner to individuals not well-versed in the intricacies of financial management. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language Academic Qualifications: High School Diploma is required; a diploma or certification in finance, accounting or business administration would be a great asset. Experience: Preferably 5-7 years working experience, in the area of finance. Experience in working in large international financial institutions in transactional finance desirable. Knowledge of UNDP/UNOPS financial regulations and rules an added asset. Language: Fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of another UN official language an asset. Submission of Applications Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11, to be downloaded at the UNOPS web site), via e-mail. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying (in the subject line by e-mail). Additional Considerations - Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS offers an attractive tax free remuneration package including pension scheme and health insurance For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website.

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