Head of Unit (Gen Ledger Acct)

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the  Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers). Head of Unit (General Ledger Accounts Unit)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Accounts and Financial Service (AFS) of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) are responsible for the financial accounting and reporting of UNHCR, in accordance with the Financial Regulations of the United Nations and the UNHCR's Financial Rules as well as IPSAS.  AFS is comprised of Accounts Section and Financial Systems Support and Reporting Unit.  General Ledger Accounts Unit (GLU) is one of the three Units of Accounts Section, responsible for the monitoring of accounting and financial control activities carried out by the UNHCR's Headquarters and Field Offices.

Under the general direction of the Chief of the Accounts Section and the Head of Service of AFS, and in accordance with the agreed work plans and priorities, the incumbent manages the work of GLU and supervises his/her staff to achieve the overall work plan of the Unit. The incumbent frequently interacts with managers of functional related partner units outside of AFS, e.g., in Programme and Budget Service and Treasury of DFAM, Personnel Administration and Payroll Section of the Division of Human Resource Management (DHRM), Asset and Fleet Management Section of Division of Emergency, Security and Supplies (DESS) in order to strengthen the effectiveness of financial control activities.  The incumbent maintains frequent contact with Finance staff and managers in Field locations to advise them on accounting and financial control issues.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

-  UNHCR's statutory financial reporting (Annual Financial Statements) process is supported from an Accounting   perspective in accordance with UNHCR rules, policies and procedures.
-  AFS is able to deliver Accounting solutions to emerging issues.
-  Day to day operations of the General Ledger Unit are managed efficiently.
-  Updated and timely Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidance notes -  Clients at HQ and in the field are provided with support, as appropriate.

Responsibility


- Provide advice, guidance and support to Field Offices and HQ, mainly in the following areas: bank reconciliation, cash and petty-cash accounts, General Ledger open item maintenance, UNDP/UNV transactions and MSRP procedural issues.
- Contribute to training plans and contents development, and undertake ad-hoc Field missions for training and capacity building.
- Monitor  accounts data to ensure compliance  with UNHCR's Financial Rules and accounting policies, follow through on identified issues, and inform management of any matters that affect the accuracy of the accounts.
- Ensure accounting transactions of the Unit are recorded accurately, completely and in a timely fashion.
- Carry out analysis of processes, systems and internal controls and make recommendations for streamlining and improving them, including enhancements to the ERP system.
- Implement changes in financial policy, processes and procedures within area of responsibility and ensure integration of systems and processes between other functional areas where processes overlap.
- Prepare assigned notes to the Financial Statements.
- Prepare variance analysis on monthly financial reports for management.
- Contribute to the preparation of closing instructions and manage the Unit's work plan for the month-end and year-end closure of accounts.
- Prepare the data for the Board of Auditors; respond verbally and in writing to audit queries from both Internal and External Auditors.
- Review Monetary Asset Write-off Requests, organize the AFS Review Meetings and coordinate the recording of the approved write-offs.
- Manage, plan and monitor the work of the 1 National Officer and 11 General Service Staff, providing direction and focus, motivating and coaching  to maximize overall effectiveness of the Unit.
- Perform other duties as required. 

Authority

- Approve recording of financial transactions in the general ledger.
- Approve bank reconciliation statements.
- Draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidance notes.
- Propose changes to UNHCR's financial rules, policies and procedures.
- Advise on correct accounting treatment in relation to the issues raised by field offices and HQ units.
- Obtain from HQ and field offices any information necessary to carry out the responsibilities.
- Clear the submission of accounting data to Board of Auditors for the items assigned to the Unit as per the audit liaison schedule and respond to audit queries of technical nature.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- University degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field.
- Professional accounting qualification such as a Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant.
- Minimum ten years of previous job experience in the field of accounting, finance or external audit which includes international setting and supervisory experience.
- Good understanding of international financial accounting and reporting standards (such as IPSAS or IFRS) and experience in providing guidance on the practical application of these standards.
- Working experience with ERP Systems, such as PeopleSoft, Oracle or SAP, with good knowledge of financial modules.
- Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Fluency in English, including strong drafting skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
- Exposure to UNHCR field operations.
- Exposure to humanitarian field operations and specific training/learning activities of UNHCR.
- Knowledge of any other UN languages. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X003L3 - Technological Awareness Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3 The incumbent will manage a team of 13 people and needs a level of maturity to be able to lead, mentor and coach in order to attain the unit's and division's goals. Extensive liaison with sections and units of DHRM and DESS will require exceptional communication skills while creating a collaborative environment.

Extensive prior Accounting and/or Auditing skills are necessary.    

Significant experience interacting with auditors, both external and internal, is essential since a key function of this position is to liaise with the auditors to provide financial information and resolve audit queries. The General Ledger Unit has the largest staff within Accounts and Financial Service of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management.  The unit interacts frequently with other units and sections within DFAM, DHRM, DESS, the field offices and the bureaux.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add. 3 to March 2017 Compendium is Thursday, 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time).