Financial Reporting Specialist

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

UNOPS vision is a world where people can live full lives supported by appropriate, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and by the efficient and transparent use of public resources in procurement and project management.

With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, financial policy, practices, analysis, management services and reporting, organisational treasury and investments, internal control and enterprise risk management. As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for processes to ensure timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organisational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The Financial Reporting Specialist reports to the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations who provides broad supervision and guidance. The Financial Reporting Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information for preparation of the financial statement. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and the applicable accounting standards (IPSAS) and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Financial Reporting Specialist supervises support personnel and promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Corporate financial statements
2. Financial oversight and monitoring
3. Internal and external audit coordinations
4. Capacity building / system improvement

CORPORATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDIT

• Prepare corporate financial statements, in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), including all the necessary supporting schedules and notes.
• Prepare quarterly and year end analysis of corporate financial statements for management review.
• Prepare analysis and feedback to queries from internal and external stakeholders related to corporate financial statements and working files.
• Provide expert advice and support in regular book closure and year-end closure process and application of IPSAS
• Take lead in monthly, quarterly and year end closing schedule and calendar of activities.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING

• Exercise periodic monitoring over transactions and account balances to ensure recording and reporting in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.
• Take a proactive approach in identifying issues related to data quality and liaise with related parties in the organization to ensure timely and necessary corrections.
• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining a strong control environment around financial reporting and the integrity of data used for preparation of corporate financial statements..
• Ensure that all deadlines applicable to book closure and reporting are met

. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIT

• Prepare audit related reports to be submitted to the UN Board of Auditors, UNOPS Executive Board and UNOPS management.
• Provide support to the Head of Financial Statements and Audit during Internal and External audit processes.
• Coordinate with external auditors during interim and year end audit
• Monitor, manage and take follow-up actions on both Internal and External audit recommendations with the concerned Practices in HQ and field offices

CAPACITY BUILDING / SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

• Support process documentation and continuous process improvements.
• Become a subject matter expert for the Financial Reporting requirements UNOPS ERP (OneUNOPS).
• Develop innovative solutions to optimize financial processes and reduce manual work and increase automation around financial reporting
• Responsible for providing guidance and advice to finance practitioners in the area of financial accounting, interpretation and operational guidance on the application of the Accounting standards and UNOPS FRR.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.), audit (CIA) or equivalent is required.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience within an international environment in the areas of financial reporting, audit and accounting
• A thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge and experience in ERP system developments and process improvements and automation is considered an asset.
• Ability to constructively challenge the status quo and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Language Requirements

• Full working knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: FTA Contract level: P3 Contract duration: one year, renewable

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.