Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Global Financial Service (GFS) within UNHCR’s Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) of UNHCR is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the statutory and management financial information recorded in UNHCR’s accounts and used in various reports, including UNHCR’s annual financial statements. GFS also provides transaction processing and payment services to an increasing number of operational locations with a view to further enhancing the speed and efficiency of the related processes.
The Central Accounting Unit (CAU) plays an essential role in ensuring that the Organization’s financial statements comply with UN Financial Regulations, the UNHCR Financial Rules and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and strives to strengthen the quality of financial management and control in UNHCR.
The Accounts Receivable and Donor Reporting (ARDR) Unit processes incoming deposits and provides related technical support to the field operations, accounts for revenue adjustments, raises bills for miscellaneous income, coordinates the accounts closure and audit for AR and revenue, compiles financial reports to UNHCR’s donors, which requires active liaison with colleagues from the Division of External Relations (DER) and the respective field offices.
The Accounts Payable (AP) Unit processes AP vouchers and central payments for UNHCR and several field offices, provides related technical support to the Field and coordinates the accounts closure and audit for AP and expenses.
Under the general direction of the relevant Head of Unit, the incumbent manages and oversees global accounting processes within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and contributes to analysing and reporting on the corporate-level accounting results of UNHCR in compliance with the UN Financial Regulations, UNHCR’s rules and IPSAS, as applicable. The incumbent supervises national professional and general service staff to achieve the overall deliverables of the unit. S/he frequently interacts with other functional units within and outside the GFS, e.g., in the Treasury Service of DFAM, the Personnel Administration Section (PAS) and the Global Payroll Section (GPS) of the Division of Human Resources (DHR) and other HQ divisions to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of financial accounting and reporting at UNHCR and maintains frequent contact with managers and finance staff in field locations to advise them on accounting and financial reporting issues.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Contribute to the design and implementation of accounting procedures in specified areas and facilitate the implementation of new accounting standards and policies.
- Oversee the recording of transactions and approve those.
- Facilitate the application of UNHCR’s established accounting and financial reporting procedures, in compliance with IPSAS, UNHCR, and UN financial regulations and rules.
- Supervise a team of accountants as assigned.
- Establish procedures to monitor compliance by users in different entities with the relevant financial rules, regulations, and procedures and assist in enforcing quality assurance protocols, perform and facilitate regular reviews of transactions and the global accounts.
- Coordinate the provision of technical support to field offices, regional bureaux and HQ divisions, and provide answers and guidelines to accounting and finance-related matters.
- Present and coordinate the preparation of detailed accounting analysis, financial reports and audit documentation, and analyze data.
- Contribute to the periodic closure of UNHCR’s global accounts, the reconciliation of the general ledger to subledgers, enforce quality control, perform account reconciliations, and regularly review open transactions and suspense accounts within the area(s) of responsibility.
- Foster continuous learning, and make well-founded proposals for system, policy and process enhancements.
- Identify skill gaps within the team and globally based on systemic issues in the accounts and coordinate with the supervisor for training programs, and deliver trainings as assigned.
- Support the rollout of new systems and processes, and contribute to testing, system development and deployment.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision-making is risk-based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to a relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Public Administration;
Business Administration; Economics or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting; Certified Public Accountant;
Chartered Accountant (CA); Association of Certified Charted Accountants (ACCA)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Work experience in overseeing corporate level accounting processes and/or general ledger accounting. Good knowledge of, and experience in working with international accounting and auditing standards, with practical experience in the audit process and/or in financial statements preparation. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Experience with financial modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle).
Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR specific systems (such as Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP). Knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
Functional Skills
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Empowering and Building Trust
Managing Resources
Judgement and Decision Making
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Planning and Organizing
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
– Progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or related areas, with a strong background in accounts payable in an international or non-profit organization is essential.
– Experience in managing large volume payment processing operations and strong knowledge of international banking and bank connectivity.
– Expert use of Accounts Payable module in ERP systems (e.g., Cloud ERP, SAP) is essential.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at various levels, both internally and externally.
– Highly developed interpersonal skills with the capacity to work collaboratively across different departments and geographical locations, fostering teamwork and a positive working environment.
– Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to changes while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
– Ability to address complex reconciliation issues, identify root causes, and develop solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations.
International candidates with Hungarian residence permit are eligible to apply.
Additional information:
Candidates must be legally present in Hungary at the time of application, recruitment and hire.
Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19
Remuneration:
In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
Benefits:
Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a temporary appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).
Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in Budapest will be enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP). The coverage is also optionally available for eligible family members.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
English
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
The Accounts Payable Unit (APU) is an integral part of the Accounts and Financial Service Section (AFS) within the Global Finance Service (GFS) of the Division of Financial and Administrative Management at UNHCR. The Unit is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate recording of payable transactions and processing payments, in strict accordance with UNHCR Financial Rules and Regulations. The incumbent will frequently interact with specialists in Treasury and Cash Management, Field Offices, and other cross-functional teams to provide technical guidance and support on all aspects of payment processing.
Role Overview
Under the general supervision of the Head of Global Accounts Payable and the Accounts Payable Payments Lead within the Accounts Payable Unit, the Assistant Accounting Officer (NOA) is responsible for overseeing the payment process and managing accounts payable transactions at UNHCR’s headquarters in Budapest. The role involves monitoring and analyzing pending and unprocessed payable transactions, with a particular emphasis on global payables operations within a centralized operational model. The position requires experience in managing high-volume accounts payable operations and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
This supervisory role involves leading a team of accounts payable assistants and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning. The incumbent will also play an active role in the design and implementation of new technologies and processes on a global scale, including the redesign of future accounts payable processes under a centralized model.
Key Responsibilities
Monitor payment operations within the Unit, ensuring accuracy, processing efficiency, and compliance with financial policies.
Lead and mentor the team of payment processors, promoting innovation and continuous improvement. Identify training needs and conduct sessions to enhance the team’s skills and knowledge in accounts payable payment processes and systems.
Contribute to the preparation and presentation of detailed reports, analysis, and audits related to the accounts payable payments portfolio, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accountability for stakeholders.
Ensure adherence to IPSAS standards, UNHCR and UN Financial Regulations and Rules, and internal policies and procedures within the AP payments segment. Maintain the uniformity, accuracy, and compliance of accounting data globally.
Contribute to risk and internal control assessments to identify potential audit, compliance, or financial risks.
Support in identifying and implementing innovative solutions to resolve complex payment processing and reporting challenges. Adapt to varying financial environments and system limitations while ensuring strict adherence to established policies and procedures.
Facilitate in the planning, testing, and rollout of new payments processes or systems within a centralized operational model. Liaise closely with DFAM’s System Administration Section (SAS) and other counterparts to ensure efficiency, standardization, and alignment with organizational goals.
Assist in the development and maintenance of payments SOPs, procedures, and training materials for global use, ensuring all team members are well-informed and trained.
Advise on process improvement opportunities such as process automation, introducing new payment validations, designing new or enhancing existing payment reports. Suggest changes to management and assist in implementing approved enhancements to optimize efficiency and effectiveness of payment operations.
Communicate effectively with peers and counterparts in Treasury and Cash Management services and Field Operations to ensure smooth payment processing and timely handling of payment exceptions and rejections, with a focus on results and efficiency.
Act as the backup for the Accounts Payable Payments Lead in his/her absence.
Contributing to the overall success of the Accounts Payable Unit and the organization.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
DM-Data Collection and Analysis, EL-Monitoring and Evaluation, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial Accounting – Modified cash-based accounting as per international standards, FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc)
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration
Certifications
Accounting – Other, Business Administration – Other, Economics – Other, Finance – Other, Public Administration – Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 2 October 2024
