Senior Finance Associate Job at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Senior Finance Associate - HOPE (GS-7)
Job no: 574392
Job Location: Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Level: G-7
Categories: Financial Management

Job Description

• The Finance Associate will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks in finance functions, ensuring accurate and timely delivery in compliance with UNICEF financial rules and regulations, whilst demonstrating the capacity to research, adapt and evaluate irregular cases, and to recommend improvements to process delivery and design.

Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Finance Manager and the strategic leadership of the Deputy Representative Operation, the Senior Finance Associate will perform the following tasks:

• Assist on verifying completeness, accuracy and posting all aspects related to HOPE payment plan/HEALTH related requests, by compilation all data and responding queries by providing payments updates, confirm funds have been transferred to individual accounts successfully, adjustments made to ensure financial compliance, accuracy, and completeness of data for payment run. Advise section of discrepancies on bank accounts and assist to correct.
• Update and maintain payment records and monitoring systems to record and reconcile payments, balances, statements, and other data for day-to-day transactions related to HOPE Polio Program activities, Polio Campaigns etc.
• Liaise with GSSC and FSPs to address all queries raised and make necessary corrections on transactions, unapplied receivable balances/failed payments list. Work closely with the selected FSP and monitor the details of the payment and reporting process that are to be put in place.
• Initiates correspondence to verify data, answers query and obtains additional information on HOPE Platform for efficiency and effectiveness of all payments.
• Selects and enters data from a wide variety of documents, verifying and ensuring accuracy by checking sources, making necessary calculations, and assuring inclusion of all relevant data and ensure adherence to internal control procedures.
• Prepares recurring reports as schedules and special reports, as required for budget preparation, audits or other reasons.
• Help finalize payments in preparation for year-end Close, grant expiry and financial closure. Ensuring all payments are completed in a timely manner.
• Maintains liaisons with officials of local banks to obtain day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, changes in procedures and regulations, and matters pertaining to maintenance of office bank accounts. This includes prepares recurring reports and bank reconciliation.
• Prepares detailed cost estimates, and participates in budget analysis and projects, as required.
• Performs other HEALTH section related transactions/finance duties, as required.

Requirements

• Completion of secondary education. Professional/university level courses in Accounting and Finance/Business administration is considered as an asset. For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a relevant field may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years. 
• A minimum of seven years of clerical experience in finance and accounting is required.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.