Accountant, P3

This position is located in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Payments Unit.
		Responsibilities
	Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Payments Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions: (a) Financial control - As a key element of the payroll process the incumbent will be responsible for exercising financial control and ensuring the accuracy and propriety of the payment of pension benefits (the Fund currently pays periodic benefits to over 56,000 beneficiaries, amounting to over 1.3 billion dollars per year in some 190 countries). As such the incumbent will be required to: - Provide authoritative interpretation of requirements for handling payment transactions; - Act as approving officer for payment transactions by ensuring that all payroll operations adhere to the provisions of the relevant Regulations and Rules of the Fund; - Sign, as approving officer, payment vouchers, journal vouchers, schedules, lists, etc. covering output of the Payroll area of the Unit; - Review and approve suspensions and reinstatements of benefit payments, drafting related correspondence and approving replies drafted by support staff; - Respond to internal/external audit observations on payments functions; - Prepare statistical reports for various UN bodies including the Pension Board and its Standing Committee, ICSC, Fifth Committee, ACABQ, and other bodies concerned with pension matters as required. (b) General Ledger payroll accounts - Ensure that accurate and complete accounting is maintained, that relevant records are reconciled, and that reporting and internal control systems are functioning; - Control and maintain accounts payable and provide authoritative interpretation of requirements for transactions in this area, in accordance with the Regulations and Rules of the Fund; - Approve journal entries for the closing of various Pension Fund accounts; - Provide information needed to respond to audit findings. (c) Process improvement - Participate in implementation of the payroll policies, procedures and work guidelines as required by the Integrated Pension Administrations System (IPAS)  ensuring its consistent application under  the Fund’s Rules and Regulations; - Keep abreast of developments which could affect the Fund’s disbursement operations worldwide, informing supervisor/senior management accordingly; - Monitor the implementation of IPAS conversion, supplying test data, test scenarios and verifying outputs for completeness and accuracy; - Participate in development of comprehensive IPAS tests’ analysis related to determination of acceptance of final results. (d) Supervision - Organizing and distributing work assignments among the staff of the Payroll area, to ensure efficient operations, and to provide adequate controls and the necessary back-up capability to cope with staff absences, etc; - Perform administrative functions relating to management of the staff of the Payroll area of the Unit, including coordination of leave requests, assisting in the preparation of job descriptions and of PAS reports, participating in the selection of staff, etc. (e) Others - Replace the Chief of Unit during her/his absence; - Perform other related duties as required.
		Competencies
	Professionalism: - Knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and standards; - Fundamental knowledge of multi-currency payroll structure and processing and related internal controls; - Ability to apply conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operation; - Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating options, and drawing appropriate conclusions and recommendations; - Shows pride in work and in achievements; - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; - Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; - Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; - Remains calm in stressful situations; - Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; - Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; - Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having a two-way communication; - Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; - Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; - Identifies priority activities and assignments; - Adjusts priorities as required; - Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; - Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; - Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; - Uses time efficiently.
		Education
	Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting or related field. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budget, administration or related field. Experience in payroll processing is desirable. Experience in multi-currency payroll processing is desirable. Experience in conversion of payroll/financial systems is desirable. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
		Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=30470