Chief, Finance Branch, Division for Management Services (DMS), New York, D-1

UNDP•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief, Finance Branch leads the Finance Branch (FB), a part of the Division for Management Services (DMS). The Finance Branch is responsible for leading global finance, including financial operations management, key financial and accounting policies and processes, accounting and treasury services; overseeing improvement efforts in areas of financial operations; ensuring the ERP and related financial systems are configured and functioning to manage, monitor and report on key financial processes and information, and that the Financial Statements are prepared based on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Branch also plays a key role in the custody and distribution of financial resources, improving global financial management, monitoring of expenditures, liabilities and fund balances, and producing statutory, financial management and donor reporting. The Chief, Finance Branch (FB) is responsible for leading, coordinating and overseeing UNFPA’s global financial management, promoting clear accountability across financial operations and reporting activities, establishing the appropriate work priorities and plans for the Branch and leading staff to their accomplishment. The position is based at UNFPA Headquarters in New York, and reports to the Comptroller and Director, Division for Management Services (DMS). The role is particularly challenging given the nature of the decentralized organization and because activities are conducted in very challenging environments.

Requirements

An advanced university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required.
A fully qualified professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute is required, and will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree (e.g. ACA, ACCA).
At least 15 years of progressive experience in financial management or accounting positions at multinational organizations (with a minimum of 10 years in supervisory roles)
Detailed knowledge and experience complying with IPSAS or IFRS
Sound understanding of internal control and risk management frameworks and processes
In-depth understanding of financial management and operations processes in the United Nations
In-depth understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, including financial management, accounting, and reporting functions
Fluency in English is required

Nice To Haves

Experience in implementing or supporting complex Oracle Cloud ERP system implementations is a significant advantage
Experience in implementing corporate change management processes is a significant advantage
Analytical capabilities combined with strong leadership, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Fluency in French is a significant advantage
Working knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable

Responsibilities

Maintaining the UNFPA financial framework (financial regulations and rules, policies and procedures) as required to support an effective implementation of UNFPA’s strategic plans
Supporting the regular update of the UNFPA internal control framework in response to changes in the business environment and best practice
Contributing, as required, to risk management process activities
Continuously enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the financial management processes, aligning them, where feasible, with best practice
Ensuring the maintenance of an effective first line of controls over financial management processes
Ensuring the timely performance of the second line of controls over financial management processes
Providing support and advice as regards financial management matters to senior management
Ensuring an adequate operating effectiveness of financial transactions processing and recording processes and systems
Ensuring an effective management of UNFPA cash and bank positions, cash flows, investment portfolios and currency risk, in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme Treasury department
Overseeing the annual financial closure process, from issuance of instructions to issuance of the financial statements
Ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), including preparation of the UNFPA’s internal control and financial statements, annual financial and statistical review, and financial data for the Executive Director annual report to the Executive Board and other stakeholders
Ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of donor financial reports, financial reports related to UNFPA’s role as administrative agent for pooled funds, specialized financial reports, and internal management reports
Approving and monitoring allowed exceptions to financial management policies and procedures, including the use of Emergency Response Policies and Procedures
Ensuring adequate support and advice to UNFPA’s staff and management at field offices and HQ units as regards financial management activities and the application of UNFPA’s financial framework
Supporting donor assessments and reviews as regards financial management matters
Leading and overseeing branch business efficiency and effectiveness innovations with an emphasis on management by exception and technology solutions
Actively supporting the design and implementation of resource mobilization and innovative financing initiatives
Supporting the operationalization of UN reform and efficiency initiatives
Ensuring an adequate response to information requirements, findings and recommendations related to financial management of external and internal auditors and of external and internal oversight bodies and functions
Representing UNFPA at conferences, meetings and inter-agency groups on financial and related matters, as needed, including the Accounting Standards Task Force
Representing DMS Finance Branch at the Oversight Compliance and Monitoring, Oversight Advisory, Investments and other committees, as required
Participating in inter-divisional and inter-organizational working groups and project teams, as required
Continuously enhancing the skills and expertise of the FB staff through learning activities and on-the-job training
Support the improvement of financial management capabilities of UNFPA finance personnel through training and other appropriate capacity building activities
Carrying out any other duties as assigned by the Director, DMS