Section Head, Finance and Accounting Section (P-5)

Position and Grade:	Section Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Finance and Accounting Section Division of Budget and Finance Department of Management
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	24 May 2013
Application Deadline:	21 June 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Management (MT) provides a 'platform of services' that serves as a foundation for the successful delivery of the IAEA's scientific and technical programmes. Its mission statement is as follows: "MT is a partner and a business enabler that champions change and efficiency, leveraging a common purpose". Thus, among other support activities, it assists a scientific manager in recruiting the right expert, helps a technical officer coordinate the purchase of radiation equipment, works with the press to help clarify the technically complex work of the IAEA, and ensures that all Board documents are translated and distributed on a timely basis to Member States. The Division of Budget and Finance manages the financial resources essential for full implementation of the IAEA's scientific and technical programmes. The Division provides financial services and solutions for programme budgeting, treasury, payments, payroll, financial accounting and reporting to support the IAEA's mandate. The Finance and Accounting Section maintains and monitors all accounts for the IAEA, monitors and reports on the receipts of assessed and voluntary contributions, and prepares the IAEA's financial statements and other reports to the governing bodies and Member States. The Section has two units: the General Accounting Unit and the Contributions Unit. The General Accounting Unit prepares the financial statements, maintains accounting records and maintains close liaison with the IAEA's external auditor. The Contributions Unit is responsible for receiving all contributions to the IAEA for all funds and reporting to Member States and senior management on their use for the implementation of approved programmes.

Main purpose

Plan, organize, administer and evaluate the provision of necessary accounting and financial services, and manage the people devoted to that purpose.

Role

The Section Head is: a manager, leading the two Units; an adviser to the Director and other senior managers within the IAEA on accounting and financial management; the primary liaison between the IAEA and the External Auditor during the preparation of the annual accounts; a key contributor to several reform initiatives, including IPSAS implementation.

Partnerships

The Section Head provides authoritative guidance to senior managers and administrative staff on financial matters, e.g. payments, foreign allotments, invoicing of other UN agencies and external customers for services and supplies. She/he also liaises with the Internal and External Auditor on all matters governing audit of the IAEA's activities, including interim and final audits, and issues with Member States regarding contributions and with bankers relating to cash management.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Manage the closure of the IAEA's annual accounts documents and other accounting statements by planning, organizing and supervising staff and ensuring close liaison and cooperation with the External Auditor and his/her team. Draft official documents and reports on related subjects for the Board of Governors and Member States. Develop and implement improved accounting controls and devise innovative policy solutions in line with IPSAS, and other initiatives. Advise staff at all levels on accounting and financial matters. Engender trust by the Member States in the financial and accounting data by consistently providing timely and accurate information. Strengthen cash management through coordination with the activities of the Treasury and Contributions Units. Plan and organize the work of the Section, guiding, motivating and supervising staff, providing growth opportunities, and ensuring delivery of services to the required quality and timeliness.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Professional expertise: In-depth knowledge of IPSAS; Good knowledge and understanding of the accounting and financial challenges facing international organizations. Strong analytical skills; demonstrated sound judgement in applying professional expertise to identify problems and contribute to their solution. Adherence to principles and values: high standards of integrity, fairness and transparency to ensure and promote a work environment based on mutual respect and trust and demonstrated ability to perform effectively as a motivating leader and to promote collaboration with the various departments of the IAEA. Demonstrated organizational abilities and ability to achieve stated objectives using initiative and creativity. Management and supervisory skills: ability to manage effectively large work teams, providing clear direction and motivation, managing performance appropriately and fairly, and dealing with possible conflicts. Leadership skills: ability to communicate a common and inspiring vision, to adopt a strategic approach and to act as a catalyst for change. Strong planning and organizing skills to set clearly defined objectives, plan activities in a timely way, and monitor performance against deadlines and milestones. Good interpersonal skills in order to establish and maintain good relationships with internal and external counterparts and to work harmoniously in a multicultural/multidisciplinary environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity. Good negotiation skills. Excellent presentation and communication skills: ability to represent the Division effectively, including the ability to deliver briefings to a diverse target audience, as well as to conduct effective meetings with senior management and representatives of Member States and other stakeholders.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Member of a Professional Body of Accountants e.g. CA (Certified Accountant)/CPA (Certified Public Accountant). University degree in accounting, financial management or a related field. Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with at least 5 years at managerial level. Experience in financial management or in fields of direct relevance to the above responsibilities. Experience in managing staff and financial resources. Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of another official UN language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $80 734 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $49 894*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation,home leave, pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.