Finance Assistant

Organizational Setting

This position is located in the Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO UTF Technical Cooperation Programme in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Main Purpose

The Finance Assistant coordinates and performs the full range of financial, accounting and budgeting functions. He /she ensures quality, transparency and consistency of data and processes within his/her area of responsibility and contributes to a smooth functioning of the work of the Country Office.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Finance Assistant reports to the Administrative Officer under the general supervision of the FAO Programme Director. The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities. Supervision received is focused on the quality of work outputs, in particular the meeting of timelines and the quality of advice given to clients. He/she provides guidance and advice to other finance support staff.

Working Relationships

The Finance Assistant works closely with colleagues in the Finance team and with client departments/offices in the handling of routine and specialized processes, promoting the effective and efficient delivery of finance-related services.

Key Functions/Results

• Code, record and reconcile accounting transactions;

• Review and authorize as per delegation payments to vendors for goods and services including calculating, inputting and checking payments for correctness and communicating discrepancies to supervisors; verify accuracy of data;

• Process salaries, entitlements, claims, income taxes, etc., according to established guidelines and procedures;

• Brief and assist newly arrived staff, experts and consultants on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance;

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and other data for use in budget analysis and proposals;

• Generate expenditure reports from computerized information system databases;

• Research/compile financial data; assist in the preparation/finalization of budget performance reports, carrying out preliminary analysis of variances between budgets and actual expenditures;

• Review draft reports, verifying overall accuracy, consistency and uniformity in the presentation; cross-check consistency of figures; drafts/prepares routine correspondence;

• Provide procedural guidance to other finance support staff;

Impact Of Work

The incumbent's work impacts directly on the efficient provision of specialized finance, accounting and budget-related services. He/ she plays a lead role in the provision of financial support services for successful achievement of the organizational PMU's mandate.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Experience\: Four years of relevant experience in finance and budget-related support work

Languages\: Working knowledge (Level C) of English and either Arabic or French

IT Skills\: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

• Very good knowledge of the essential elements of a range of finance, accounting and budget-related activities, including the relevant policies, rules and regulations

• Very good knowledge of corporate financial systems

• Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

• Knowledge of preparing cost estimates and budgets.
• Ability to communicate and write concisely and clearly in English and Arabic.