Back Finance Officer (Accounting)

Organizational Setting

The Finance Division (CSF) 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 in the Finance Division, CSF, at FAO headquarters, in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Finance Officer (Accounting) reports to the Senior Finance Officer, CSF.

Technical Focus

The Finance Officer (Accounting) is responsible for supporting and leading the General Ledger operations with a particular focus on Payroll Accounting.

Key Results

Financial services and related assistance in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Key Functions

• Provides financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and/or investment related services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Collects and analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory and/or management reports, financial statements and/or reports to donors as well as specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Contributes to updating financial policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Responds to requests for assistance from managers and staff at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
• Exchanges and/or provides information to banks, other financial institutions, donors and partners and provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
• Participates in Finance Division teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other Divisions/Offices/Centres on short-term assignments.

   Specific Functions

  • Coordinates the monthly and year-end General Ledger closure.
  • Coordinates and supports the Divisions, Offices and Centres for General Ledger related queries.
  • Performs the Payroll Accounting and tests for changes in the Payroll Accounting programme.
  • Performs reconciliations for clearing accounts.

     

    CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

     

    Minimum Requirements

    • Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and five years of relevant experience in finance, accounting and/or business analysis OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field, seven years of relevant experience and completion of professional qualification in accountancy (CA, CPA, ACCA) or investment professional (CFA).
    • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and 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, is desirable.
        • Extent and relevance of experience in accounting and in managing accounting functions General Ledger Operations.
        • Excellent computer skills and ability to analyse problems and develop effective, practical solutions, particularly in Oracle.
        • Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge of Payroll Accounting.
        • Extent and relevance of experience in the system development of accounting and financial applications, with a strong knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS.
        • A professional qualification from a recognized professional institution (CA, CPA) is desirable.