Finance Assistant, New York City

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide end-to-end operational support, advisory services and other solutions to operating entities across the Secretariat, including departments, offices away from headquarters, peace operations, and regional commissions. The Division of Administration in New York provides administrative support functions (human resources, budget, finance and general administration) and facility management and commercial services to entities at United Nations Headquarters. It also provides financial operational services to entities across the globe. As Common Administrative Platform, the Division comprises the OneEO, the Financial Operations Service (including OnePayroll), and the Facilities and Commercial Activities Service. The OneEO Client Desk 4 supports the ACABQ, BOA, CEB, Ethics Office, EOSG, GCO, IAAC, ODET, OAJ, ODPP, OLA, OMB, OPGA, HSU, OSC-SEA, OSRSG-CAAC, OSRSG-SVC, OSRSG-VAC, OVRA, UNAOC, UNOP, UNSDG-SWEO, and the Youth Office. This position is located in the OneEO Client Desk 4, Division of Administration, (DOA), Department of Operational Support (DOS), New York. The Finance Assistant reports to the Senior Finance and Budget Officer through the Senior Finance and Budget Assistant.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority the Finance Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Budget:

• May act as Certifying Officer on behalf of and in the absence of programme managers at offices outside of headquarters.
• Prepares interim and final financial statements for each trust fund contribution for approval by Account Division, in compliance with the reporting requirements stipulated in contribution agreements.
• Prepares supporting documents (narrative and supporting tables) with respect to finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements.
• Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Undertakes research and provides support to higher level Finance & Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
• Monitors expenditures and compares with approved budget; prepares adjustments as necessary.
• Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
• Assists in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitors integrity of various financial databases and extra-budgetary resources administered by the Headquarters Client Support Service, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
• Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports. General:
• Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Drafts or prepares correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
• Maintain and keep up-to-date files.
• May be responsible for providing guidance, training and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or client portal.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

  CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyze and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

  EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required.

  Job - Specific QualificationNot available.

  Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years (7) of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in Finance Module, Grants Management Module in Umoja or similar ERP system is required. At least one (1) year experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience in the administration and management of extra-budgetary resources is desirable.

  LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).