VN 074/2026 Sr. Payroll Accounting Associate

Job Description

Under the overall supervision of the Payroll Manager and the direct supervision of the National Payroll Officer, the Senior Payroll Accounting Associate is responsible for performing payroll accounting activities, including monthly account closing, payroll accounting file simulation, and general ledger reconciliation, in a timely manner. The role supports accuracy, compliance with policies, and coordination with relevant units and country offices for audit and reporting purposes, while working closely with Finance, HR, and other stakeholders to resolve discrepancies and identify processes improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities

PAYROLL ACCOUNTING:

• Perform necessary accounting tasks in a timely manner to comply with the scheduled monthly closing of accounts.

• Support the simulation and review of payroll accounting files, follow up on issue resolution, and support the successful posting of all payroll elements to the general ledger.

• Check the mapping of payroll elements to the appropriate general ledger accounts in the costing reports from time to time and recommend corrective actions where discrepancies are identified.

• Review the accuracy and completeness of payroll data submitted to PULSE to support timely projectization and escalate issues as required.

• Review of monthly accruals to determine accuracy and completeness and communicate necessary adjustments or reversals.

• Review invoices for returned, rejected, and other urgent payroll-related payments in a timely manner.

• Review the FBDI (File-Based Data Import) for staff with organization payment method “IOM Cheque” to verify that correct invoices are created for timely and accurate payment of salaries.

• Respond to payroll accounting queries in coordination with the relevant payroll operations teams and provide guidance on payroll accounting-related matters within the scope of responsibility.

GENERAL LEDGER RECONCILIATION:

• Perform reconciliation procedures for payroll general ledger accounts and investigate and resolve any variances.

• Monitor and support the clearance of payroll suspense accounts in coordination with relevant units.

• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the timely clearance and reconciliation of payroll general ledger accounts.

INTERNAL CONTROL and AUDIT:

• Assist in monitoring compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and instructions.

• Assist in updating and developing work instructions, SOPs, and business processes.

• Observe established control mechanisms and contribute to strengthening payroll internal controls.

• Coordinate and support country offices on audit-related activities and help provide the required documents and information, including follow-up on audit observations and action points as assigned.

OTHERS:

1. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four (4) years of relevant professional experience; or

• High school diploma with six (6) years of relevant professional experience.

• Professional certification as chartered accountant (CA) or certified public accountant (CPA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will be a distinct advantage.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in administrative and financial management, budget monitoring, cash management and internal control procedures.

• Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis.

• Experience supporting the review, development and implementation of administrative control procedures.

SKILLS

• Good knowledge of payroll accounting principles, general ledger reconciliation, and financial reporting processes.
• Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.

• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify, investigate, and resolve accounting discrepancies.

• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and provide technical guidance on payroll accounting matters.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
3. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
4. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
5. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
7. No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.

Required Skills

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