Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.
Context
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Accounting Supervisor and overall supervision of the RAS National Accounting Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for the review of Missions’ accounts including but not limited to: general accounting work, checklist review, donor financial report review and endorsement, project review, month-end closing procedures. He/she will provide integrated financial and accounting support and recommendation to Offices to ensure compliance with IOM’s overall accounting regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
Core Functions / Responsibilities
GENERAL ACCOUNTING WORK
- Provide support and guidance to assigned Country Offices (CO) on accounting, financial and project matters (e.g. compliance with Accounting Procedures for IOM Field Offices, Project Development Handbook – Module 5, IPSAS and PRISM Financials, etc.).
- Assists in making recommendations to MAC Financial Services, Accounting Division (ACO), Regional Offices and/or Resource Management Officer (RMO)/Chief of Mission (COM) on both procedural and policy improvements and efficiencies in accounting/finance area.
- Evaluate Country Offices' overall performance in the field of Finance and Resource Management, highlight critical issues noted and coordinate recommendation with the Regional Accounting Supervisor and RAS National Accounting Officer.
- Coordinate the timely collection of information and documents in connection with External, Donor and Internal audit and ACO requirements. Ensure to the extent possible that audits are completed quickly, efficiently and with the minimum impact on MAC and IOM.
- Provide checklist and project balance review results to Office of Inspector General (OIG) whenever applicable.
- Escalate any material findings and provide status to the RAS Supervisor, National Accounting Officer, MFS Chief, ACO, TSY or Regional Office (RO), as applicable.
- Review/analyze accounts, coordinate findings with offices, monitor office response and continuously follow-up unresolved issues until expected results are achieved.
ACCOUNTS CHECKLIST REVIEW
- Establish a yearly schedule and plan and coordinate with RAS Supervisor to ensure that assigned COs undergo accounts checklist reviews during the year and that minimum requirements for the number of reviews are met based on the risk profile.
- Review and analyze periodically the trial balance of assigned COs’ (i.e. bank/cash books, vendor accounts, purchase orders, assets, VAT, suspense accounts, etc.) and check accounting returns to ensure that accounts are valid, complete, fairly presented and comply with IOM’s established policies and procedures.
- Evaluate/identify exceptions, deviations, errors and critical issues noted during the review, summarize and communicate findings to relevant Finance, RMO and CoM.
- Recommend corrective actions to be taken in line with IOM policies and procedures to relevant Finance, RMO and CoM.
- Recommend improvement in internal controls and accounting practices based on IOM accounting policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, and best business practices.
- Assess annually the performance of Offices and the related risk factors to determine the financial risk assessment of COs for the purpose of determining the level and frequency of review required for each CO.
- Ensure that checklist reviews are performed based on the annual plan and that minimum requirements for the number of reviews are met and timely coordinated.
PROJECT FINANCIAL REPORT REVIEW AND ENDORSEMENT
- Review and analysis of project financial reports for assigned COs to ensure compliance with donor agreement (budget, interest, funding, etc.) and reports are reconciled with PRISM Financials prior to donor submission.
- Evaluate issues and risks identified in the review, summarize and coordinate with RMO, Finance staff or Project Manager. Before endorsement, ensure that all findings are resolved and deviations from IOM policies and procedures are properly coordinated with RAS Supervisors/RAS National Accounting Officer/MFS Chief and approved by ACO/DRM whenever applicable.
- Ensure timely endorsement of project financial reports received to ensure that reporting deadlines and requirements by Donors are satisfied.
- Provide guidance and assistance to COs on financial reporting requirements to donors if necessary (e.g. application of rules, calculation of interest).
- Calculate interest and provide certification for interest earned whenever applicable.
- Coordinate with other departments (MFS sub units, ROs, ACO, International Development Fund, etc.) to ensure conformity with specific donor reporting requirements.
- Ensure compliance with donor reporting checklist.
- Maintain statistics of donor financial reports received and endorsed.
PROJECT BALANCE REVIEW
- Provide periodic in-depth analysis of project balances for assigned COs to ensure that expenses are within confirmed funding, revenue is recognized timely, reporting requirements are met and projects with potential deficit are detected.
- Identify issues and evaluate risks/exposure noted during the review. Provide recommendation on the resolution of issues. Summarize findings and recommendations for coordination with CO, RO, Prism Central Support Team (PCST), Revenue and ACO as applicable for appropriate action.
- Facilitate closure of completed projects in PRISM.
- Update of project recap file for submission to ACO.
MONTH-END CLOSING PROCEDURES
- Review and analyze month end balances of assigned COs to remind RMO/finance staff on the completion of month end procedures and coordinate exceptions noted.
- Monitor and assist in the clearance of suspense accounts and completeness of payroll posting.
- Provide guidance to COs on subjects related to closing of accounts and analyze issues and errors encountered by COs closure including coordination to relevant units.
- Facilitate COs request for extension of access and coordinate with Regional Accounting Supervisor.
ACCOUNTING RETURNS VALIDATION
- Monitor timely receipt and completeness of accounting returns.
- Check monthly accounting returns of assigned COs to ensure compliance with established standards and coordinate exceptions noted with Offices.
- Input cash and bank data in PRISM to ensure complete and timely information as regards to cash and bank reconciliation status of Offices.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide training to COs finance staff, newly hired Regional accountants and temporary staffs on IOM accounting and PRISM Financials as required.
- Travel to COs as may be required in the performance of assigned tasks.
- Provide assistance to PCST and PRISM Team on technical issues and enhancements in PRISM FI and HR.
- Ensure timely upload and completeness of endorsed financial report, Periodic Checklist Reviews and Project Reviews to Sharepoint.
- Perform other accounting functions as may be required.
Education
- University degree in Accounting, Finance or Management from an accredited academic institution, with four (4) years of relevant professional in the field of accounting or finance.
- Must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent.
Experience
- Sound knowledge of accounting systems and/or SAP plus generally accepted accounting principles and internal controls.
- Experience in audit an advantage.
- Knowledge in accounting and financial reporting system of IOM is an advantage;
- Computer literacy including proficiency in MS Office applications;
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is desirable.
Values
Inclusion and respect for diversity
Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency
Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism
Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication
Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managing and sharing knowledge
Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Teamwork
Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results
Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by clicking on the APPLY button and completing the profile registration.