Head of Accounting and Financial Support Division

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 37 member countries that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

The Executive Directorate (EXD) contributes to advance the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General and the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget by supporting the corporate decision making of the SG, in coordination with the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG), and by enabling the Organisation in the following areas: financial and human resources management, information technology and internal communications services, conference management and security, translation and interpretation, knowledge and information management (in coordination with the Public Affairs and Communications Directorate) and all operational services including building infrastructure and logistics. EXD employs a team of about 490 staff members (including accountants, human resources specialists, translators and interpreters, and IT specialists), who enable work across a broad range of management policy and services areas. 

The Programme, Budget and Financial Management Service (PBF) in EXD ensures effective and efficient financial, administrative, communications and management practices within the Organisation. On behalf of the Secretary-General, EXD/PBF provides stewardship of the Organisation’s financial resources, and employs 109 staff members. In particular it:

• Coordinates the budget process,
• Monitors financial operations (income and expenditures, treasury and procurement function) and prepares the OECD’s financial statements,
• Hosts resource management systems activities,
• Supports  OSG, Directorates and Part II Programmes in their financial activities; and
• Provides timely and regular reporting on information related to the functions above to the Secretary General and his Office.

Within EXD/PBF, the Accounting and Financial Support Division (EXD/PBF/AFS) assures proper accounting of all budgetary decisions, assures proper treasury operations and monitoring, ensures proper controls, produces the Organisation's financial statements, provides guidance on financial reporting and is the main interface with external auditors. 

EXD/PBF/AFS is looking for a Senior Finance Manager to lead and manage the Accounting and Financial Support Division, leading a team of 30 finance professional. The selected candidate will report to the Head of PBF, and will be a team leader, ensuring the provision of efficient and effective services; a senior analyst of complex cases related to financial matters, making relevant recommendations, and; a specialist, providing knowledge in relation to financial policy and change management activities.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget and the advancement of the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General.
• Develop the Accounting and Financial Support Division’s work programme ensuring alignment with PBF’s strategic priorities, managing and leveraging the Division’s human and financial resources in an efficient and effective manner to ensure high quality outputs.
• Lead the transformation of the Division to an agile, fully automated environment making best use of new technologies (including robotisation, artificial intelligence and similar) to minimise operational risk and to ensure productivity gains. Ensure that the processes and systems are aligned with risk and efficiency objectives.
• Provide advice, support and briefings to the Head of PBF, senior managers and others, as necessary, notably on accounting policies and best practices, opportunities, risks and other relevant matters.
• Oversee the establishment of the structure, form and content of the Organisation's financial statements.

Liaison and Representation

• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and external meetings on accounting matters, establishing close contacts and active collaboration to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Build effective working relationships with senior managers and colleagues across the Organisation, ensuring effective communications across teams and with external partners.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity in the areas of recruitment, performance management and the professional development of staff. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters.
• Ensure that contingency plans are designed and improvement measures are implemented to mitigate risks, notably those identified in the OECD Risk Register.
• Co-ordinate responses to, and requests from, Internal Audit, external auditors, OECD senior management or representatives of member country delegations or other stakeholders, ensuring information is accurate and in line with the OECD’s financial policies.
• Ensure that the Organisation’s accounting rules are accurately and clearly described in relevant policies, procedures and manuals. As a member of the OECD Finance Community, provide adequate financial guidelines, identify the need for training and ensure that these are delivered to the financial community.  

Accounting Operations 

• Oversee all accounting functions ensuring accuracy and timeliness, through effective management of resources by leveraging technology and streamlining processes
• Ensure accounting systems fully support the financial management needs of the Organisation and the requirements of the Programme of Work and Budget.
• Oversee the production of the annual financial statements for the Organisation in conformity with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). 
• Provide an oversight function to ensure that effective internal controls exist, especially in the areas of financial accounting and financial operations. 
• Develop relevant Key Performance Indicators and dashboards for the accounting function.
• Perform accounting analysis, draft documents and make presentations for Senior Management and OECD Committees.

Treasury Operations 

• Maintain a high level of client service and control for all treasury operations including cash receipts and disbursements, exchange risk management, short‐term general treasury investments, medium-term investment of reserves, staff loans and credit card programmes. 
• Develop systems for ensuring the organisation's solvency, and the monitoring and management of liquidity risks. 
• Deliver high quality and timely treasury reporting to the Organisation’s senior management and the Budget Committee.

Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field or advanced professional qualifications in accountancy.

Professional Background

• A minimum of ten years' experience in a relevant field, including at least five years in a management position in the administrative and financial department of a large international group or organisation. 
• Proven experience in devising and implementing accounting, monitoring and reporting strategies to meet organisational needs as well as implementing finance and accounting policies, procedures and systems. 
• Public sector experience and knowledge of IPSAS, as well as knowledge of International Accounting Standards (IAS). 
• Experience in leading teams through the development and implementation of transformative automation projects with proven ability to motivate, mentor and empower individuals to achieve expectations and goals. 
• Proven experience demonstrating a collaborative mindset, critical thinking, communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience developing innovative solutions for business needs, demonstrating the ability to think outside of the box.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and presentation skills. 

Tools

• In-depth knowledge of financial software applications, systems and tools, specifically large accounting systems.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.

Languages 

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. 

Core Competencies 

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Managing resources and Developing talent, Strategic thinking and communication, Achievement focus, Teamwork and Team leadership, Client focus.
• Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• Three-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 10,291 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax. 

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

Browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Selection Process

During the selection process a video-record interview, written test, and assessment centre may be required.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD Member Countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.