Financial Controller

The Financial Controller is responsible for supervising and maintaining INTERPOL's financial records in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the Organization's financial regulations. The role includes preparing financial statements, managing the external audit process, providing technical financial advice, and leading a team of accounting professionals to ensure sound financial management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the Organization's financial records in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the organization's financial regulations.
• Coordinate effectively with the Head of Treasury and Accounts Payable to ensure accurate and timely processing and accounting of all receivables, payables, and treasury transactions.
• Lead and advise across the Organization on financial treatment of different funding streams including capital expenditure to ensure that management decisions consider financial rules and implications to effectively manage budgets.
• Lead on the effective control of the balance sheet of the Organization with regular monitoring and reconciliations to ensure risks are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
• Closely collaborate with the Head of Budget and Analysis on forecasts to ensure financial commitments and risks are accurately reflected in the financial records.
• Lead on the financial closure process on a monthly basis to ensure accurate financial data for reporting, analysis and decision making by the hierarchy and governance bodies.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of IPSAS, staying up-to-date with evolutions and changes to the standards, and working in a timely manner to address any changes and ensure compliance.
• Design and prepare high-quality financial statements that meet the requirements of IPSAS, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and clear notes to the financial statements.
• Conduct regular benchmark exercises to ensure that the financial statements are of high quality and comparable to those of similar organizations.
• Assess and lead on external reviews of the financial statements when necessary to provide an independent assessment of their accuracy and compliance with IPSAS.
• Collaborate with other departments and teams to ensure that financial data is accurate, complete, and consistent, and that the financial statements fairly reflect the Organization's activities and performance.
• Identify and address any areas for improvement in the financial statements and implement changes as necessary.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other staff members on IPSAS and financial reporting requirements.
• Manage the external audit process, including planning the audit, coordinating the audit process, responding to auditor requests, and facilitating access to personnel and documentation.
• Identify and address any issues or concerns raised by the auditors to ensure an unqualified audit opinion.
• Coordinate the implementation of audit recommendations, including developing and implementing corrective action plans and monitoring progress.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders to ensure they are informed of the audit process, findings, and recommendations.
• Lead and advise on the definition of financial policies, accounts and systems and conduct regular financial controls.
• Lead on the drafting of financial regulations, directives, instructions and policies to ensure compliance with international accounting norms.
• Lead on the configuration and update of the accounting system including creation of legal entities, accounts, financial reports, and user access rights.
• Ensure sufficient and regular financial controls (reconciliations, inventories etc.) are undertaken to comply with the organizations financial policy and reporting framework.
• Lead and manage the accounting team to provide sound financial reporting and advice to support sound financial health of the Organization.
• Work collaboratively across the Organization to provide advice on the impact of decisions on the financial situation of the Organization.
• Prepare and present financial analysis and recommendations to management and governance bodies.
• Represent FCS on behalf of the Assistant Director or the Director FCS in their absence.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Assistant Director, Financial Affairs or Director FCS.

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ University degree in a relevant domain required (such as Business Administration, Finance).
• Qualified accountant from a recognized national accounting body and/or equivalent professional experience supported by accredited professional training.
• Post-graduate degree would be considered as an additional asset.
• At least 8 years’ experience in financial reporting and accounting including managing a team.
• Detailed knowledge of international accounting standards such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Accounting Standards (IAS) and IPSAS.
• Accounting and controls – Detailed knowledge and experience of accounting treatment, practices, journals, adequate supporting documentation.
• Detailed experience in financial closure and financial reporting processes.
• Experience in developing financial statements and managing audit processes.
• Experience of VAT.
• Strong computer skills particularly financial systems e.g., SAP or similar ERP, Microsoft office packaged software and business intelligence reporting e.g. Business Intelligence tools.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills to clarify complex financial matters to a non-financial audience.
• Experience from a large national or international setting in private or public sector is essential.
• Experience in law enforcement organization would be an asset.
• Experience in working in an international environment is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is essential and in French highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of another official language of the Organization would be an asset (Spanish, Arabic).
• Enthusiasm, positive thinking and “can do” attitude.
• Very strong communication skills, both in written and oral form; ability to clarify.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and apply logical, specifically inductive, reasoning.
• Ability to perform at the highest level in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams with minimal direct supervision.
• Discipline and high degree of self-motivation.
• Ability to deliver under high pressure and tight deadlines.
• Good social, specifically multicultural, skills.
• Highly developed initiative, creativity (original thinking) and curiosity.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional networks with internal and external stakeholders.
• Listening skills.
• Willingness to learn.
• Personal maturity.
• Flexibility, availability and may travel as required.

Skills

• Financial Reporting
• Accounting
• International Financial Reporting Standards
• International Accounting Standards
• IPSAS
• Financial Closure
• Audit Management
• VAT
• SAP
• ERP Systems
• Business intelligence tools
• Financial Statements Development
• Team Management
• Financial Control
• Accounting Treatment
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Technical Financial Advice
• Financial Regulations
• Communications Skills
• Financial Analysis

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic