Staff Officer (Internal Control & Coordination)

The Staff Officer (Internal Control & Coordination) ensures the integrity of financial management and control systems for NATO funds at the Joint Warfare Centre. The role involves internal control assessments, financial risk management, coordination of audits, and ensuring effective communication across the Office of Budget & Finance.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, establish and maintain an appropriate system of Internal Control within BUDFIN and cross functional financial processes, reporting cycles and reviews
• Conduct internal control assessments, financial risk management evaluations and analyse the effectiveness of established controls of Appropriated and Non-appropriated funds
• Submit written reports on findings with recommendations in support of the Internal Control function
• Serve as the BUDFIN Executive Officer and act as the central point of contact for cross-sectional coordination tasks and taskers using available digital tools
• Coordinate and oversee annual programme of audits and verification of internal controls
• Act as the main point of contact for internal auditors and International Board of Auditors for NATO (IBAN) auditors
• Control adequate audit trails and data confidentiality, integrity and availability in information systems
• Control formal approval process and authorization for transactions
• Enforce segregation of duties to avoid conflicts of interest
• Review BUDFIN Branches working practices and pass financial documentation through Commitment and Purchase Order stages to ensure adequate financial controls and efficient resource use
• Identify opportunities to automate controls
• Lead and contribute to drafting, validating, approval, and periodic review and revision of BUDFIN specific and related policies, directives and procedures
• Monitor National Support Elements and Host Nation Support office to ensure adequate controls related to duty-free privileges and VAT reimbursement
• Roll check Central Cellar and other International Welfare Fund (IWF) accounts

Requirements

• University Degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration, economics or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience
• Extensive experience at middle management level in governmental budgetary administration and financial control operations or equivalent
• Familiarity with Automated Data Processing (ADP) financial management systems
• Experience of departmental and cross-functional management
• English – Upper Intermediate/Advanced
• At least 4 years’ experience in finance and control functions from an international military headquarters or other international organisation (desirable)
• Knowledge of working practices of major headquarters or international organisations (desirable)
• Strong knowledge of internal control/auditing practices and related frameworks (desirable)
• Possesses certifications such as Certified Internal Audit (CIA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent (desirable)
• Fraud Risk Management Qualification (desirable)
• Excellent verbal and written communication and negotiation skills
• Must exercise the highest standards of integrity, acting with persuasion to safeguard NATO’s financial interest and image
• Must be in good health, able to work under pressure
• Able to work independently and effectively in a multicultural environment
• Regular travel on temporary duty may be required

Skills

• Budgetary Administration
• Financial Control Operations
• Automated Data Processing
• Departmental Management
• Cross-functional Management
• Internal Control Practices
• Auditing Practices
• Financial Risk Management
• Internal Control Assessments
• Audit Coordination
• Certified Internal Auditor
• Certified Public Finance Officer
• Certified Public Accountant
• Fraud Risk Management
• Financial Management Systems
• Negotiation Skills
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication

Languages

English