Financial Reporting Specialist

The Financial Reporting Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched, and documented financial information for the preparation of the financial statement. The role involves analyzing and interpreting financial rules, regulations, and accounting standards (IPSAS), providing solutions to complex financial issues, and supervising support personnel to promote a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare corporate financial statements, in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), including all the necessary supporting schedules and notes.
• Prepare quarterly and year-end analysis of corporate financial statements for management review.
• Prepare analysis and feedback to queries from internal and external stakeholders related to corporate financial statements and working files.
• Ensure compliance with IPSAS Accounting Standards and provide expert advice and support in the regular book closure and year-end closure process and application of IPSAS.
• Take the lead in monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing schedules and calendars of activities.
• Exercise periodic monitoring over transactions and account balances to ensure recording and reporting in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.
• Take a proactive approach to identifying issues related to data quality and liaise with related parties in the organization to ensure timely and necessary corrections.
• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data, and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining a strong control environment around financial reporting and the integrity of data used for the preparation of corporate financial statements.
• Ensure that all deadlines applicable to book closure and reporting are met.
• Prepare audit-related reports to be submitted to the UN Board of Auditors, UNOPS Executive Board, and UNOPS management.
• Provide support to the Head of Financial Statements and Audit during Internal and External audit processes.
• Coordinate with external auditors during interim and year-end audits.
• Monitor, manage, and take follow-up actions on both Internal and External audit recommendations with the concerned Practices in HQ and field offices.
• Support process documentation and continuous process improvements.
• Become a subject matter expert for the Financial Reporting requirements of the UNOPS ERP system.
• Develop innovative solutions to optimize financial processes, reduce manual work, and increase automation around financial reporting.
• Responsible for providing guidance and advice to finance practitioners in the area of financial accounting, interpretation, and operational guidance on the application of the Accounting standards and UNOPS FRR.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field with 7 years of relevant experience OR a Master's Degree (or equivalent) in any of the above disciplines with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
• Fully Qualified Accountant qualification with a recognised accountancy body (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, etc) is required.
• Specialized certifications such as CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience is defined as financial reporting working experience within an international environment is required.
• A thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is required.
• Fluent proficiency in English is required.

Skills

• Financial Reporting
• International Public Sector Accounting Standards
• International Financial Reporting Standards
• Financial Analysis
• Accounting Standards Interpretation
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Client Oriented Financial Services
• Supervisory Abilities
• Certified Public Accountant
• Chartered Accountant
• ACCA
• CIPFA
• Finance Management
• Accounting
• Financial Regulations

Languages

English