Finance Associate

The Finance Associate supports effective management and oversight of financial resources in line with UNFPA financial rules, regulations and IPSAS standards. The role ensures accurate and compliant financial processing to support programme management and delivery, while identifying opportunities for process improvement to enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Effective management of financial resources through planning, monitoring, and control mechanisms in accordance with UNFPA rules and regulations.
• Support preparation, revision and monitoring of programme and management budgets.
• Maintain rigorous financial monitoring to track budget execution and enforce compliance with authorized spending thresholds.
• Review and process financial transactions in Quantum and process cost-recovery bills in Quantum for the services provided by UNDP.
• Carry out financial analysis, monitor all financial resources managed by the CO, and provide quality analysis, regular updates on financial status, and provide financial information and updates to the CO management and the programme team.
• Prepare and support the timely production of accurate financial reports and analysis for donor reports.
• Maintain rigorous cash management standards for CO and programme operations; prepare monthly cashflow projections and prepare and process bank transfers in alignment with UNDP financial protocols.
• Track audit recommendations and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Serve as focal point for planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of assurance activities including spot-checks, audits, both HACT and DAO, and provide training and support to staff and implementing Partners.
• Support implementing partners in maintaining financial integrity through proactive budget oversight, expenditure tracking, and strict compliance.
• Monitor quarterly financial milestones and support the Year End Accounts closure processes.
• Apply and refine established processes and procedures to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in financial management.
• Identify and propose cost-saving and reduction measures to the IOM, and support implementation of approved recommendations.
• Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities and transactions, investigates anomalies or unusual transactions, and reports findings with recommended corrective actions to IOM and HQ colleagues for decision.
• Coordinate and ensure the delivery of effective and efficient financial services to UNFPA’s staff and clients (payments, F10 settlements, reversals, petty cash, vendor initiation, etc.)
• Review and validate payment requests, purchase orders, and financial transactions for accuracy and compliance.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Requirements

• Completed Secondary Level Education required. Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field is an asset
• Professional certification or membership in a professional association in accounting is an added asset.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in finance and budget management.
• Proven experience and track record in successfully managing and implementing financial policies, processes and systems in development organizations.
• Proficiency in current Microsoft Office applications (especially Microsoft Excel and Word).
• Experience in using ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Quantum, Atlas, Oracle, SAP) or similar computerized applications.
• Ability to produce analytical reports and write clearly and concisely.
• Working experience with UN organizations is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Tetum is required.
• Working knowledge of Portuguese would be an advantage.

Skills

• Finance Management
• Budget Management
• Financial Policy Implementation
• Financial Systems
• MS Excel
• MS Word
• ERP Systems
• Analytical Reporting
• Financial Compliance
• IPSAS Accounting Standards
• Process Improvement
• Financial Processes
• Report Writing

Languages

English, Tetum, Portuguese