IPSAS Specialist

The IPSAS Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial policies compliant to accounting standards and support for preparation of the financial statement. The role involves analyzing and interpreting financial rules and regulations and applicable accounting standards (IPSAS) and providing solutions to complex financial issues including financial investments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain financial reporting standards compliant to IPSAS standards.
• Support development of IPSAS compliant financial statements and management reports.
• Implement and operationalize new IPSAS standards and updates made to current standards and collaborate with related business process owners and IT Group for implementation of necessary measures.
• Analyze IPSAS exposure drafts and published standards, assess impact on business processes and ERP systems, recommend appropriate course of action.
• Coordinate comments on exposure drafts and other papers issued by IPSASB.
• Review existing and new business processes for compliance to IPSAS and coordinate with process owners for necessary improvements.
• Actively monitor and implement changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements and offers good change management practices when required.
• Liaise with external auditors on audit queries related to accounting and reporting and compliance to accounting standards and UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Update and maintain policy documents on financial reporting and recording of corporate financial investments.
• Exercise periodic monitoring over transactions and account balances to ensure recording and reporting in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and IPSAS policies on financial instruments and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.
• Review and assess agreements for financial instruments and equity deals and devise accounting treatments in compliance to IPSAS and UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Provide specialist support in establishing of necessary processes for derivatives valuations, hedge accounting and application of impairment models.
• Take a proactive approach in 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 preparation of corporate financial statements.
• Develop training materials and guidance on relevant IPSAS standards.
• Conduct, webex and virtual trainings to relevant personnel and business community.
• Develop IPSAS awareness informative contents for internal communication.
• Become a subject matter expert for the Corporate Financial Reporting requirements, and IPSAS standards.
• Support business process owners in the development of training materials through a review of the contents for technical IPSAS accuracy for topics assigned.
• Collaborate and communicate with UNOPS departments in HQ and field on a regular basis.

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.
• Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, etc.) or equivalent is required.
• Specialized certifications such as CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience is defined as working experience within an international environment in the areas of financial reporting, audit and accounting.
• A thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is required.
• Demonstrated experience in interpretation of international accounting standards and preparation of financial statements is required.
• Experience in areas of Financial Instruments and specialized knowledge in financial instruments (IPSAS 41, IFRS 9, IPSAS 47/48, IFRS 15) and their practical application is considered as a strong asset.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely is highly desirable.

Skills

• International Public Sector Accounting Standards
• International Financial Reporting Standards
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Financial Instruments
• Audit and Accounting
• Accounting Standards Interpretation
• Financial Policies Development
• Financial Analysis
• Accounting Certification
• CIPFA
• Accounting Software
• Data Presentation

Languages

English