Finance Officer - P3 (part-time 50%)

Introduction

The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the world’s leading international organization for social security institutions, government departments and agencies. Founded in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ISSA counts more than 325 member organizations in 160 countries. As a voluntary membership-based organization, the ISSA provides relevant knowledge-based products and services to effectively support its members to work towards excellence in social security administration. In order to respond appropriately to the diverse needs and priorities of its global membership, the ISSA implements a triennial programme of technical and regional activities. 

The position is located in the Resources and Services Unit (RES) of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). This work unit covers the budget and finance, internal control, human resources, travel and official missions, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, logistics and the maintenance of the ISO 9001:2015 quality system.  

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resources and Services Unit the incumbent is responsible for supporting the coordination of the budget and finance-related activities of the ISSA and the maintenance of the ISSA’s quality management system, including the internal control. The incumbent contributes to the development and enhancement of work methods and procedures.

Description of Duties

• Monitor the internal control and update the management systems (ISO 9001 certified). Review the compliance with the established rules, regulations and directives, ensuring the effective and economical use of resources and the safeguarding of assets.
• Analyse budget information, prepare and consolidate estimates and supporting data in relation to budget forecasts, financial performance reports and medium-term plans; review financial provisions of project agreements and documents. Review conformity of obligations and expenditures (including salary costs) with appropriations or other financial provisions and with allotments issued.
• Analyse accounts and financial documents and initiate action to correct situations where anomalies occur; review the operational efficiency of the assigned account area from managerial or accounting perspectives in order to improve the operation (including development of automated applications). Monitor and review selected financial transactions and documents (e.g., budget proposals, payment requests, payroll data etc.) prior to entry into the finance system; ensure implementation of procedures to control and monitor income and expenditure.
• Prepare recurrent and ad hoc financial and budgetary reports and relevant explanations, as requested by the supervisor. Coordinate the interim and end of the year closing processes and assist with the preparation of the related financial and budgetary statements.
• Administer contractual agreements, especially external collaboration including administration and monitoring of the resources (review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures). Maintain the financial procedures related to the assigned operations, draft circulars, manuals and training materials as necessary.
• May act as Certifying Officer for the Office.
• Provides training and guidance to the ISSA staff by keeping abreast of changes to applicable financial standards and best practices.
• Contribute to other ISSA activities and projects by performing on duties as required by the Secretary General or the Head of the Unit. 

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in business administration, finance or accounting or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience

At least five years of directly responsible experience in finance, accounting, budget or other related area is required. Experience with internal control systems will be an advantage. 

Languages

<span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Excellent command of an ISSA official language (English, French, German, Spanish) and very good working knowledge of English (or another language if English is the first language).

Competencies

• Ability to research and interpret various guidelines and policies for application to address difficult financial related issues. 
• Sound knowledge of Swiss regulations on accounting and taxes. 
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget of a programme or a project. 
• Ability to plan and coordinate moderately complex projects. 
• Ability to draft procedures for internal use which reflect the knowledge of financial rules and regulations. Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management system would be an advantage.
• Ability to use common office IT applications; familiarity with computerized accounting packages. Knowledge of Wineur application would be an advantage.  
• Skills in problem solving. 
• Discretion is required as work may involve dealing with confidential material.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.