Finance Assistant

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. Main Purpose The Finance Assistant performs a large variety of routine administrative and financial duties in support of the control and maintenance of accounts and in the processing of finance/accounting/budget-related transactions. The incumbent exercises judgment, identifies errors and supports sound financial practice. Supervision Received / Exercised The Finance Assistant reports to the Senior Finance Officer. The incumbent operates independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of work performed and provides for on‑the‑job learning. Working Relationships The Finance Assistant interacts with a variety of colleagues within the work unit and with immediate clients served within the Organization providing routine assistance to promote the effective and efficient delivery of finance‑related services. Key Functions / Results Process claims or invoices and other payment requests in line with relevant regulations and instructions. Ensure that all supporting documents and information required to justify payment, including receipts, banking details etc., are complete before releasing payments. Settle invoices and claims after verification of supporting documents. Compile and verify budget and accounting data by checking files, calculating costs and estimating anticipated expenditures; following authorization make disbursements from petty cash as per delegation, maintain records of such disbursements and balance accounts as required. Assist in the preparation of periodic accounting records, finance and budget documents; record receipts and disbursements (ledgers, cash books, vouchers etc.). Reconcile data for recurring or special reports; maintain contacts with local banks, verify account status and currency exchange rates and obtain approval for cheque clearance. Perform other duties as required. Impact Of Work The incumbent’s work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of financial support services and on the overall output of the work unit. Minimum Requirements Education: Secondary school education. Experience: Three years of relevant experience in finance/budget‑related support work. Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment. Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. Competencies Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building effective relationships Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement Technical Skills Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting policies and practices. Good knowledge of corporate financial systems. Good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards. Desirable Qualifications and Skills Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Key Skills Data Entry Financial Services Debits & Credits Math QuickBooks Accounting Office Experience Negotiation Bookkeeping How to Apply To apply visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Once completed please apply and submit your application with language certificates as attachments. Only language proficiency certificates from UN‑accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE ILE LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications. FAO reserves the right to request candidates to undertake a language test in the future as appropriate. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications. Additional Information FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing). All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold FAO’s values. FAO as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Employment Type: Full‑TimeVacancy: 1 #J-18808-Ljbffr