Job Identification (Reference Number): 14286
Position Title: Senior Accounting Business Partner (General Accounting)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 07 May 2025
Introduction:
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.
For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Second-tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Context:
The Department of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) oversees and manages the organization's global financial, budgetary, treasury, accounting, and administrative functions.
The Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) is responsible for monitoring, analysing, and reporting on the financial position and financial performance of the Organization. The Division oversees the accounting, financial controlling, and financial reporting processes of IOM. The Division prepares key financial statements and reports on the financial position and performance of the Organization in compliance with IOM’s statutory financial reporting regulations, including the IOM Financial Regulations and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and reports on IOM’s annual financial results to the United Nations following the applicable United Nations standards. The Division is also in charge of the financial master data structures, data flows and financial processes within IOM’s enterprise resource planning system; endorsement of donor financial reports; is the institutional Focal Point for the IOM External Auditor and for financial matters with the United Nations; and hosts the team managing the IOM data publishing process on the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) platform. The Senior Accounting Business Partner (General Accounting) must demonstrate qualities of leadership, as well as relevant experience and qualifications in financial management and coordination and corporate controlling. The assigned responsibilities of this position include regular liaison with management within IOM, administrative centres, as well as IOM Regional, Country, and Global Offices.
Under the overall supervision of the Comptroller and Director of the Department of the Financial and Administrative Management Department and the direct supervision of the Chief of Global Accounting, the Senior Accounting Business Partner (General Accounting) will be responsible and accountable for providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, and innovative solutions for the organization's global accounting processes.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
Serve as a trusted business partner to IOM’s Regional Offices (RO), Country Offices (CO), and Global Offices (GO) , and HQ teams by providing expert guidance on global accounting processes and solutions (fixed assets, receivable, other receivable, and inventories, other assets and liabilities) and collaborate closely relevant FAD units to cover all related processed consistently and comprehensively. Coordinate with stakeholders across IOM to align accounting processes with operational needs, ensuring efficient and effective accounting and reporting management across the organization.Act as a Focal Point for technical expertise in end-to-end accounting processes, supporting cross-functional teams in addressing challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation.Leverage technology to simplify accounting processes tailored to the global needs of IOM, including:Coordinating the optimization of accounting processes in IOM’s cloud-based ERP solution;Collaborating with other teams of DFAM on the optimization of management and financial reporting solutions and tools; and,Collaborating with the Treasury team to optimize revenue recognition and reporting, including on flexible funding.Coordinate with relevant DFAM services to design a future-focused service delivery model for accounting processes, ensuring scalability and efficiency:Develop workflows between the ROs, COs and GOs and HQ to streamline processes;Collaborate with the Administrative Centre to optimize the accounts management;Draft and implement Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets with clear escalation mechanisms to meet the needs of ROs, COs, and GOs, and ensure timely management of IOM accounts, monthly and quarterly closing.Lead the optimization of accounting processes for revenues, fixed assets, receivable, and other receivables, as well as inventories processes globally, ensuring effective controls are in place to maintain data accuracy and integrity. Lead the optimization of the application of policies, procedures, and training materials, fostering consistency and compliance across the organization.Coordinate with the relevant stakeholders to enhance donors and customer master data management, minimizing fraud risks and ensuring smooth donors, and customers management.Provide guidance to ROs, COs and GOs on accounting and control considerations and build capacity within global finance teams on AP through knowledge-sharing, training, and the development of scalable tools and resources.Optimize the processes related to the implementation of new accounting standards.Support the internal and external audits by providing timely responses and required evidence.Develop and maintain guidance, procedures, and training materials to ensure the application of IOM Financial and Management Rules and Procedures.Conduct risk assessments related to fixed assets, receivables and other receivables, inventories and accruals-related processes, proactively managing risks and identifying opportunities to align with organizational objectives.Undertake duty travel as assigned.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; orBachelor’s degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.Professional accounting certification by an internationally recognized professional accountancy body is an advantage.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience:
Minimum of seven years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial accounting and compliance evaluation within an international, decentralized, and/or multinational environment;Proven experience organizing and managing global accounting functions in a decentralized organization; managerial experience in a shared service centre is an asset;Progressive and practical experience in field operations of international organizations of similar scale to IOM is an advantage;Experience in managing teams and overseeing financial operations;Hands-on experience using large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required; familiarity with Oracle Fusion and cloud-based accounts payable solutions is an asset;Strong background in navigating complex financial systems to control, manage, and analyze data effectively;Solid understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); and, Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive management reports.
Skills:
High proficiency in Excel, MS Office applications, and strong overall computer literacy;Skilled in operating within complex financial monitoring frameworks, with an ability to tailor policies and procedures to operational needs;Familiarity with IOM/UN accounting systems, software, regulations, policies, and procedures is highly desirable;Deep understanding of decentralized operating models and related complexities;Demonstrated capacity to innovate and design policies, structures, and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in financial and administrative functions;Strong communication, people management, and interpersonal skills;Proficient in English with excellent writing abilities;Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, and practices is desired; and, Demonstrated adaptability and ability to lead through transitions and change.
Languages:
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies:
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty. Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
Notes:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies