Finance Assistant (2 positions)

UNDP Global Mission Statement

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement

UNDP focus is helping Afghanistan build and share solutions to the challenges of Environment, Livelihoods, Gender, Rule of Law, Governance and Health. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan since 1966 in close partnership with government, civil society and other national and international partners. UNDP advocates for change and connect the Afghan government, NGOs, civil society and other partners to the knowledge and resources they need to help the Afghan people build a better life.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Assistant provides financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Finance Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Finance Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff to resolve complex financial management and operational-related issues and information delivery.

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Implementation of operational and financial management strategies
2. Functioning of cost-recovery system
3. Accounting, Finance and administrative support
4. CO cash management
5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1)  Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
•    CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.
• Implementation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, elaboration of conditions of contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts.
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

2)  Ensures functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP, follow up on cost recovery.
• Computation of Cost recovery quarterly and submitting through ATLAS
• Making Invoice for each agencies and Processing related Financial Authorization

3)  Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NEX projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for projects and on-behalf of UNOPS and non-Atlas Agencies; PO vouchers; Pay Cycle and payment execution.
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
• Presentation of information on the status of financial resources as required.
• Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and recording of deposits in Atlas.
• Management of cash receipts and petty cash.
• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.

4) Ensures proper CO cash management system functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for 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.
• Alternate to Finance Associate (ICS-6) for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in; identification and recording of contributions.
• Preparation of monthly UN exchange rate report to Treasury.
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
• Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Atlas.

5)  Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance.
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Job Knowledge/ Technical Expertise

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position

Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Ability to evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful manner

Accounting (General)

Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, regulations, and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Client Orientation

Maintains effective client relationships

Education:

• High School Certificate with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree, preferably in Finance, Accounting or Business is desirable.
• Internationally recognized Accountant qualification is a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level is required with a High School Diploma or 3 years relevant experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Extensive experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Experience with web-based information and ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft is a desirable.
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is an advantage.

Other:

• Should pass UNDP Accountancy & Finance Test (AFT) 

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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