Finance Specialist (AR)

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is 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 cost centers’ financial administration; payroll, pension and taxes; Staff Health Insurance, and the processes and systems involved with FRM’s area of responsibility.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

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

1. Prepare operational accounting transactions under relevant business processes; support the monthly and annual financial closure; support the preparation of the annual Financial Report of the Director; review and reconcile ledger accounts in accordance with compliance requirements; liaise with counterparts in cost centers to resolve outstanding issues; advise corrective actions to cost centers regarding issues arising from reviews to strengthen the controls and processes in PMIS;
2. Support and actively contribute to an environment which ensures the close monitoring and control of operations using the tools available in the systems. Ensure that FRM is using all the relevant resources and capabilities that the system provides. Participate in testing of new PASB Management Information System (PMIS) releases; review financial enhancement releases and identify impact on processes; promote automation of processes and reports; ensure policies and procedures are fully documented and kept up to date; lead testing of new releases of Workday and recommend functionality or configuration changes; actively participate in the analysis and testing of ERP fixes and enhancements associated with business processes;
3. Apply knowledge of technology, financial databases, and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to support the accurate translation of policies to financial IT systems;
4. Support the development of strategies and innovations in financial operations, accounting, and reporting and propose and test new internal controls over financial transactions;
5. Prepare monthly and ad hoc financial reports, including reports to Member States, donors and for Cost Centers; prepare input to official documents, speeches and PowerPoint presentations;
6. Prepare first draft of financial reports for the Financial Report of the Director for the assigned funds; periodically review the expenditure detail report. Review and approve monthly reconciliations of assigned funds;
7. Prepare contributions to briefing books for Executive Management, Governing Body documents (including WHO Executive Board, PBAC and WHA), as well as with regard to United Nations system initiatives (CEB, HLCM, FB Network);
8. Supervise staff of the Team; provide training, advice and guidance on issues arising from the day-to-day activities of the office. Monitor changes in workload in order to ensure equitable distribution of work to maintain optimal efficiency and output; redistribute work when necessary;
9. Provide recommendations to supervisor on changes to role assignments;
10. Maintain strong relationships with Cost Centers, internal and external auditors, Member States, Institutions, and International Organizations;
11. Participate in planning and implementation of month- and year-end financial closure;
12. Prepare and/or lead analyses and forecasts; design and review operational, accounting, and management reports; propose new approaches and analyses to meet evolving financial issues, including financial operations policy, financial transactions, performance ratios, audit, risk management, internal controls;
13. Promote knowledge transfer and document procedures, guidance, and policy related to accounting process and activities; prepare presentations, bulletins, Job Aids and Standard Operating Procedures reflecting the current requirements of PMIS in different languages; prepare written and oral training materials;
14. Provide cross-functional support in the Finance Department;
15. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or any other area related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master's degree in accounting, finance or business administration or a professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant or international equivalent would be an asset.

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 and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience in finance, audit and/or accounting in the private or public sector.

Desirable: Experience working with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or Workday Financial Modules.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.
• Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.
• Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.
• Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in financial accounting and reporting, including experience in analyzing, reconciling, reviewing and consolidating various financial reports into executive level reports, and preparing a comprehensive analysis of status, variances, and future scenarios.
• Ability to apply accounting theory and principles to financial operations; establish and monitor internal controls to ensure the correct application of accounting theory; knowledge of current best practices in financial accounting and management, with specific emphasis on IPSAS, internal control environment, oversight practices, and the development of policies and procedures.
• Analytical skills in the review and evaluation of projects, proposals and alternative scenarios.
• Strong professional writing, presenting and editing skills in English or Spanish, including the development and maintenance of operations manuals, training materials, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within and outside traditional financial functions and within a multi-cultural environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and courteous manner.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with limited guidance.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and programs such as Adobe, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams and Outlook. Experience with complex ERP systems particularly with regards to financial, accounting, and/or administrative operations.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

US $48,805.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 49.6% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

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

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

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

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (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. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

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

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 organization purposes.