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 internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Management in Panama, the Chief of Global Accounting, and the Head of Manila Institutional Financial (MIFS), and the direct supervision of the Panama Institutional Financial Services (PIFS) National Accounting and Financial Compliance Officer the incumbent will be member of the Panama Institutional Financial Services (PIFS) and responsible and accountable for the review of Projects Financial Reporting, including but not limited to support and guidance on accounting, financial and project matters to Offices to support compliance with IOM´s overall accounting regulations, rules, policies, and procedures. 

General Accounting Work

1. Provide support and guidance to assigned Country Offices (COs) on accounting, financial and project matters (e.g., compliance with Accounting Procedures for IOM Field Offices, based on accounting monitoring reporting provided by the central team, Project Development Handbook — Module 5, IPSAS and WAVE Financials, etc.).

2. Evaluate Country Offices' overall performance in the field of Finance and Resource Management, highlight critical issues noted and coordinate recommendations with the Supervisor.

3. Escalate any material findings and provide status updates to the Head of Financial Institutional Financial Services, FAD, TSY or Regional Office (RO), as applicable.

4. Review/analyze accounts, coordinate findings with offices, monitor office responses and continuously follow up on unresolved issues until expected results are achieved.

5. Review tickets assigned through the Financial Coordination Platform (FinCoorP) maintaining a high level of tickets completion/resolution, to avoid having long overdue tickets.

Accounts Compliance Review 

1. Review and analyze periodically the trial balance of assigned COs' (i.e., bank/cash books, vendor accounts, purchase orders, assets, VAT, suspense accounts, etc.) and check accounting returns to verify that accounts are valid, complete, fairly presented and comply with IOM's established policies and procedures.

2. Monitor the timely processing of transactions in IOM’s Enterprise Resource Planning system and intervene to support Offices in solving issues based on monitoring reports sent by the Manila Institutional Financial Services.

3. Evaluate/identify exceptions, deviations, errors, and critical issues noted during the review, summarize, and communicate findings to relevant Finance, RMO and COM; recommend corrective actions to be taken in line with IOM policies and procedures to relevant Finance, RMO and COM.

4. Recommend improvements in internal controls and accounting practices based on IOM accounting policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, and best business practices.

5. Assess annually the performance of Offices and the related risk factors to determine the financial risk assessment of COs for the purpose of determining the level and frequency of review required for each CO.

6. Monitor that checklist reviews are performed based on the annual plan and that minimum requirements for the number of reviews are met and timely coordinated.

Month-End Closing Procedures

1. Review and analyze month-end balances of assigned COs to remind RMO/finance staff of the completion of month end procedures and coordinate exceptions noted.

2. Monitor and assist in the clearance of clearing accounts and the completeness of payroll posting.

3. Provide guidance to COs on subjects related to closing of accounts and analyze issues and errors encountered during account closure, including coordination to relevant units.

4. Facilitate COs requests for extension of access and coordinate with Regional Accounting Supervisor.

Others

1. Provide training to COs finance staff, newly hired Regional Accountants and temporary staff on IOM accounting and IOM’s Enterprise Resource Planning system as required,

2. Travel to COs as may be required in the performance of assigned tasks.

3. Work in coordination with PCST, Manila Institutional Financial Services and FAD Team to resolve technical issues and enhancements in WAVE and related processes.

4. Maintain the timely upload and completeness of Periodic Checklist Reviews and Project Reviews to SharePoint.

5. Perform other accounting functions as may be require

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with six years of relevant professional experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Management from an accredited academic institution, with four years of relevant professional experience in the field of accounting or finance.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent is highly desirable.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Sound knowledge of accounting systems within ERP systems, such as SAP/Oracle

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and standards (such as IPSAS and/or IFRS) and internal controls is required. 

• Experience in audit is an advantage.

• Proficient in MS Office applications

Skills

• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor financial rules and procedures.

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to meet deadlines and communicate identified risks in a timely manner.

• Well-organized.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

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 five 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 2

• 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.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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 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.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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