Finance Assistant

Contract Information

The first year of contract will be probationary with the possibility of further extension subject to satisfactory performance. This post is limited to local status* only. *Local status requires applicants to have unhindered permission to live and work in the UK

Salary Information

Approximately £43,490 net per annum, (subject to deductions), free of income tax in the UK. Excellent benefits including medical insurance and UN pension scheme

Purpose

To support the Senior Finance Officer and the Accounts team by preparing and maintaining reconciliations, compiling financial information for reporting, assisting with financial control checks, and documenting finance procedures and process maps to improve consistency, transparency and audit readiness

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Finance Officer, the Finance and Accounts Assistant will support the Accounts team in maintaining accurate financial records, strengthening financial controls and improving the documentation of finance processes. Key responsibilities include:Preparing and maintaining reconciliations for bank, general ledger, payroll-related, donor related funds, and other assigned accounts.Reviewing accounting transactions and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, compliance and timely clearance of outstanding items.Extracting, compiling and checking financial data from SAP, spreadsheets and other sources for management, budget, donor, trust fund and year-end reporting.Supporting the preparation of financial schedules, working papers, tables and narrative inputs for reports and audits.Assisting with the review, input and validation of accounting data, including follow-up on rejected, incomplete or incorrectly coded transactions.Documenting finance procedures, work instructions, checklists and process maps to improve consistency, transparency and audit readiness.Maintaining organized records, templates, trackers and supporting evidence for management review, audit and internal control purposes.Supporting audit queries, follow-up actions, knowledge sharing and other related finance tasks as assigned.Any other duties as assigned by the line manager

Required Competencies

Demonstrated ability to work independently under general guidance, with high degree of accuracy, initiative and judgement. Demonstrated ability to multitask and to work under pressure, whilst maintaining excellent quality and attention to deadlines and details. Good analytical and organizational skills. Good communication skills, including ability to draft and present issues in a clear manner.Confidentiality and a high degree of tact and ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment/ team and to establish working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels

Experience

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budget, financial reporting, reconciliation, audit support or related financial functions is required.Experience preparing, reviewing and following up on financial reconciliations is required.Experience extracting, compiling and checking financial data from computerized financial systems is required.Experience preparing supporting schedules, tables, reports or analysis for review by finance officers or managers is required.Experience documenting procedures, work instructions, checklists or business process workflows is required.Experience supporting audit queries, maintaining supporting documentation and following up on corrective actions is desirable.Experience in an international organization, intergovernmental organization, public-sector body or comparable environment is desirable

Education

A minimum of completed secondary education is required. Training in accounting, finance, business administration or related field is desirable. A recognized accounting technician qualification, or progress toward a professional accounting qualification, would be an advantage

Language Skills

Complete proficiency in English (oral and written), including ability to draft clearly and concisely. Working knowledge of any other UN languages would be an asset

Others

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables and reconciliation schedules.Experience using financial management or ERP systems.Ability to prepare clear written procedures, checklists and process documentation.Experience using process-mapping tools such as Microsoft Visio, PowerPoint or equivalent would be desirable.Ability to work accurately with financial data and meet deadlines