Finance Officer (Credit Union)

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Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Finance Division recommends and administers financial policies and procedures that meet the highest professional standards; keeps accounts that accurately record financial activities and meet the requirements of internal and external audits; prepares reports to accurately portray the financial status of the Organization and its activities; ensures that the Organization's financial resources are securely kept and productively employed while in FAO's custody; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures that all disbursements are timely and made in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Organization's Credit Union, a self-funded operation that is an integral part of the FAO. The Credit Union helps staff by providing an avenue for their savings as well as extending them credit facilities when needed. The Credit Union processes staff members’ online payment instructions and offers an array of online services. As dealing with staff’s financial affairs, it is essential that the Credit Union’s daily operations run smoothly and in a timely manner.

Reporting Lines
The Finance Officer (Credit Union) will report directly to the Credit Union Manager.

Technical Focus
Monitoring and coordination of the accounting system, online services, internal controls, financial reports and management reporting of the FAO Credit Union.

Key Results
Financial services and related assistance in accordance with internal policies, United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (United States GAAP).

Key Functions
• Administers the accounting system, including the Euro and United States Dollar General Ledgers.
• Reviews and updates accounting procedures and processes.
• Collects and analyses financial information for inclusion in reports to the Board of Directors.
• Interprets, applies and provides guidance on United States GAAP.
• Oversees bank reconciliations, review daily journals and daily reports for accuracy and integrity.
• Contributes to the analysis of investment portfolios.
• Coordinates all external and internal audit activities.
• Participates in the development of training and promotes best practices in the unit.
• Contributes to the periodic review of information contained on website.
• Performs other duties as required.
Specific Functions • Manages the quarterly and year-end closures.
• Prepares monthly and annual financial dual currency reports and statistics.
• Participates in the monthly payroll and chargeback cycles. • Documents and coordinates the development of the front and back-end applications. • Participates in the testing of upgrades/enhancements of front and back-end applications. • Liaises with the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) counterpart on issues relating to applications hosted at UNICC.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in banking related operations.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in financial operations.
• Excellent IT and analytical skills.
• Extent and relevance of experience in financial statement preparation and dual currency accounting systems.
• Extent and relevance of experience in system development of accounting and financial operations.