Accounting Technician I

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Financial Resources Management (FRM) oversees the financial transactions of the Organization by establishing its financial regulations and rules, as well as the accounting policies and procedures; processes the disbursements of funds; prepares the financial statements of the Organization including the reporting of regular funds and extra-budgetary funds; monitors the inflow of funding and utilization of these resources; is responsible for investments and banking, financial analysis, the monitoring of the field offices’ financial administration, payroll, pension and taxes, Staff Health Insurance, and the processes and systems involved with FRM’s area of responsibility.

Under the general supervision of the Advisor, Accounting Operations and Statutory Reporting (FRM/AR), and the direct supervision of the Finance Specialist, PAHO Accounts (FRM/AR/P), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties\:

1. Analyze and monitor the ledger accounts for accuracy;
2. Process requests for  transfers related to expenses recorded in the actuals ledger;
3. Process the transfers related to the correction of obligation balances in the pre-obligation and obligation ledgers;
4. Assist in the creation and maintenance of various EIBs (Enterprise Interface Builders);
5. Assist in the analysis of payroll charges to the actuals ledger and obligations ledger;
6. Process and maintain the monthly expense allocations related to payroll and temporary staff;
7. Reconcile monthly Headquarters bank accounts;
8. Analyze and monitor the PAHO Reserves accounts, including the liquidation of PAHO reserves in compliance with the accounting procedures;
9. Assist in the review of journal entries originated by Cost Centers for approval by Financial Specialist;
10. Analyze and monitor the use of ledger accounts, spend and revenue categories, journal sources and expense items;
11. Verify spend category hierarchies and revenue category hierarchies are properly maintained in the PASB Management Information System (PMIS);  
12. Process the quarterly reclassifications of the realized gain/loss to the corresponding fund;
13. Assist in the creation, validation and maintenance of custom financial reports in PMIS;
14.  Provide technical areas with support and guidance in accounting processes and procedures;
15. Assist in testing PMIS updates on a periodic basis due to new releases and changes to configuration;
16. Assist in processing transactions in periodic system lockouts outside of core business hours in order avoid impacting the regular work of the Organization;
17. Assist in the analysis of budget data to ensure reliable accounting reports for Cost Centers ;
18. Perform other related duties, as assigned. 

Essential\: High school diploma with formal training in the accounting or financial fields.

Desirable\: Specialized training at the college, university or business school level with emphasis in accounting and/or finance.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.  WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  The list can be accessed through the link\:  http\://www.whed.net/.  PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http\://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https\://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Essential\: Six years of experience in accounting and/or finance work, or four years of experience in accounting and/or finance work, and one year of college or university level training towards a declared major/minor in the area of accounting or finance, or two years of experience in accounting and/or finance work, and two years of specialized training at the college, university, or business school level in accounting and/or finance.

SKILLS\:

• Intrainstitutional Action\: Displays, through behavior, understanding of PAHO's values and mission. Seeks information on and acts with understanding of the Organization's expectations while advancing further the understanding and application of its policies.  Shows interest and concern for the activities related to his/her work in conjunction with the mission, values, vision and policies of the organization. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.
• Analysis, Synthesis, and Forecasting\: Objectively analyzes situations and, based on evidence and knowledge, suggests actions to improve implementation. Bases one's actions on available information, applies knowledge acquired from experience. Prioritizes the information according to one's needs or the Organization's. Is capable of anticipating the implications of analyzed situations between one to six months ahead.
• Teamwork\: Encourages team members, adds significant contribution when participating in internal and external work teams, and leads through personal example the virtues of team success--collaboration, trust, transparency and joint responsibilities. Builds and maintains mutually beneficial productive interpersonal relations based on trust, inside and outside the Organization. Keeps every team member informed as well as shares relevant and useful information.
• Service Orientation\: Follows through on the client inquiries, requests and complaints. Keeps client up-to-date about progress of projects. Monitors client satisfaction.
• Communication\:  Establishes and proactively engages in productive dialogues in one’s work inside and outside the Organization, and assists in the building of consensus. Seeks to share information with others within the organization, both face to face and through communication and information technology systems as appropriate.
• Accountability\: Accurately and objectively provides information, as required, on one’s activities. Prepares accurate and objective reports on one’s activities and partial/final results. Can account for each of the specific tasks of one’s work.
• Administrative support for technical cooperation interventions\:  Searches for and furnishes relevant information about resource allocation and deadlines, potential critical points, risks and benefits, and other related aspects of available options to provide support for the technical cooperation teams.

• Proficiency in the use of automated financial accounting systems and computer software associated with assigned responsibilities. 
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices and ability to analyze financial and personnel data and determine related accounting transactions.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and carry out financial/accounting processes, such as\: monitoring budget and accounting activities, developing operational standards and procedures manuals, determining priorities, adjusting or identifying new internal procedures, etc.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement administrative processes such as\: submission and review of periodic reports, follow up on time sensitive requests, preparation of reports and correspondence.
• Skills in planning, organizing, evaluating, problem-solving and decision-making of office management processes.
• Ability to maintain databases, input data, and prepare reports and documentation including special charts, graphics, and other features. 
• Ability to write/originate routine and non-routine correspondence and reports. 

Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Operational knowledge of automated systems and applications particularly with regards to financial, accounting, and/or administrative operations. Knowledge of other software programs such as Microsoft Access, Visio, SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).  Other benefits include\: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan, and health insurance scheme.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post. 

Administrative/support positions in Washington, D.C. are open to Washington, D.C. metropolitan area residents only. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens or hold a Permanent Resident Alien card (Green Card).

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.  A written test and/or interview will be held for this post.  The post description is the official documentation for organizational purposes.