Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Financial Shared Services Section (FSSS) of the Global Finance Service (GFS) within the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) is responsible for the efficient and effective provision of transactional financial services to UNHCR operations worldwide, in compliance with the Financial Regulations of the United Nations and the UNHCR’s Financial Rules.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section (FSSS), with the guidance of the Deputy Controller, the incumbent leads the global payments strategy and the central payment centre providing payment services to the field. This includes designing and leading the global infrastructure for payments in a centralized model, where the majority of field payments are channelled through a central team led by the incumbent, using advanced technological innovations, e.g. robotic process automation, smart document recognition and financial gateways. The incumbent is responsible for designing and continuously improving how UNHCR adopts these technologies globally, including redesigning the payment processes under an optimized central payables execution model.
S/he leads a multi-location payments team that also implements and supports the new central accounts payables model. The incumbent has supervisory responsibility.
The incumbent frequently interacts with finance/administrative officers in field offices to provide guidance and support on all aspects of accounts payable (AP) processes and accounting, and with functional specialists in Supply Management Service (SMS) and with Treasury managers to improve business processes and compliance with IPSAS. The incumbent interacts with the external auditors and liaises with field offices during the Board of Auditors interim and final audit to provide information and clarify audit queries in respect of AP processes.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Leverage technology to re-design simplified payment process for global needs of the organization. This includes but is not limited to:
- Implementing smart document recognition in countries in which such technology functions.
- Coordinating the creation of robotic process automation as needed for new Cloud ERP payment processes.
- Working with the Treasury team to design how payments will be fed into the new digital financial gateway for actual disbursement and management of error files with banking institutions across the globe.
- Implementing a ticketing system to track service delivery to the field.
- Work with relevant services in DFAM, design and implement future service delivery model for the AP processes and lead recruitment for an expanded team. This includes but is not limited to:
- Designing workflows between the field and HQ to optimize the payment process efficiently.
- Building and leading a hybrid team in multiple locations to service invoice and payment processing centrally.
- Developing HQ service level agreements for the field, ensuring field needs are met, escalation mechanisms exist, and field payments are executed as expected.
- Supervision of invoice and payment process
- Ensuring effective controls exist within AP to ensure that data is accurate and adequate for purposes intended.
- Partner with SMS on effective vendor master data management to ensure internal controls are effective in fraud prevention and payment execution is not hindered by poor vendor banking information.
- Review of aged payables on a quarterly basis to identify potential issues in collaboration with the relevant offices.
- Support to field operations, providing guidance all aspects of AP invoices and the payables-related Financial Internal Control framework.
- With respect to Expense Recognition, Accounts Payable, Receipt Accruals and Commitments, noting UNHCR’s accounts are IPSAS compliant and system-supported donor reporting must reflect the accurate timing of costs incurred, ensure month and year-end closure in these areas is performed in a timely and accurate manner, and related accounting is IPSAS compliant.
- Support internal and external audits by providing responses and evidence requested on a timely basis.
- Produce and maintain policy, procedures and training materials in the area of payment processing.
- Identify areas of weakness regarding IPSAS compliance and address these with the most appropriate means.
- Review and approve AP journals and invoices prepared by the team.
- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Finance; Business Administration; Economics; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
IPSAS-Accrual Account/Basics; Certified Public Accountant; Chartered Accountant (CA);
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Substantial previous job experience in the field of accounting or finance, of which at least two years in an international environment. Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS). Working experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Financial AP module on a global basis.
Desirable
Excellent knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
Functional Skills
FI-Application of Financial Rules, Regulations and Procedures
FI-General Financial Management
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS, IPSAS, etc.)
MG-Business Process Innovation
IT-IT Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
IT-Artificial Intelligence (AI)
MG-People Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Empowering and Building Trust
Judgement and Decision Making
Managing Performance
Managing Resources
Leadership
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Technological Awareness
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
Desired Candidate Profile
• Education: Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Certification: Internationally recognized accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, etc.) is desired.
• Experience: Substantial experience in financial management and systems within a large, complex, multi-country organization. Extensive management experience within a global shared services setting, handling high-volume accounts payable or payments operations.
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated capacity to formulate the business requirements for technological enhancements and manage large-scale transformations. Profound hands-on experience with financial and supply modules of Cloud based ERP systems such as Oracle.
• Leadership: Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing diverse teams across various geographies.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, skilled in managing multi-stakeholder environments.
• Sector Experience: Preferably having worked within the United Nations common system or another international organization.
• Financial Acumen: Excellent knowledge of banking operations, particularly related to global payments.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to adapt and optimize accounts payable processes focusing on efficiency and client service orientation.
• Accountability: Committed to delivering results.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
Nature of Position:
Reporting directly to the Chief of the Financial Shared Services Section (FSSS) and guided by the Deputy Controller, the Head of the Accounts Payable Unit (APU) orchestrates invoice processing and payment execution operations servicing an expanding number of UNHCR global operations. This role pivotal as the business process owner for accounts payable functions within UNHCR is tasked with establishing, maintaining and enhancing AP-related processes. It requires proficient implementation of significant technological innovations, such as robotic process automation and automated document recognition, within a centralized execution model.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership and Management: Develop and execute an optimized service delivery model for accounts payable. Motivate, coach and oversee a hybrid, multi-location team dedicated to centralized invoice and payment processing.
- Operational Support and Compliance: Ensure data accuracy and adherence to internal policies and procedures. Provide comprehensive support to field operations, aligning all accounts payable processes with UNHCR’s financial policies and control frameworks.
- Technology Implementation: Deploy advanced technologies and tools to enhance global invoice-to-payment processes.
- Compliance: Manage the periodic closure of AP accounts module, ensuring IPSAS compliance and the timely recognition of expenses. Participate actively in both internal and external audits, providing essential documentation and clarification.
- Policy and Process Improvement: Direct the creation and updates of policies, procedures, and training materials tailored to payment processing.
- People Management: Manage and monitor performance of a diverse accounts payable team in multiple locations focusing on results to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
FI-Application of Financial Rules, Regulations and Procedures, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), FI-General Financial Management, IT-Artificial Intelligence (AI), IT-IT Robotic Process Automation (RPA), MG-Business Process Innovation, MG-People Management
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant – Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) – Other, IPSAS_Accrual Account/Basics – Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Flash Vacancy Notice
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 1 October 2024