The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Mali wishes to recruit a Malian national for the following position:
Title: ACCOUNTING & FINANCE OFFICER
Level : NOB(National Professional, Category B of the UN System)
Type of Appointment: Fixed Term
Duration: 24 months (Renewable)
Section: Operations
Duty Station : Bamako
Date of issue : 10 January 2011
Date of closure: 28 January 2011
I.PURPOSE OF THE POST
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Operations of UNICEF/Mali Office, assists in the area of accounting control, recording, reporting of assets, liabilities and income. Monitors the appropriate disbursements of funds and payments of accounts, ensures compliance with UNICEF rules, regulations and established budgetary limits.
II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Within the context of UNICEF/Mali office with annual programme throughput of $30 million, responsible for all accounting, financial and budgetary transactions and control, as follows:
– Controls and operates bank accounts in accordance with UN/UNICEF financial rules and regulations and local banking practices. Provides up-to-date information on the cash position or status of such accounts. Prepares cash forecast, reconciles bank statements, keeps abreast of all procedures and regulations regarding the maintenance of bank accounts, exchange and interest rates, etc.
– Certifies the appropriate, accurate and timely processing and recording of disbursements and payments, (e.g., MIP, travel claims, payroll, pension fund, insurance, cash transfers to implementing partners, invoices, etc.), in accordance with established rules, regulations and systems, and within budgetary limits. Also ensures timely monitoring and recovery of advances and accounts receivable, clearing of accounts payable. Monitors the appropriateness of GL accounts.
– Monitors financial transactions and accounting reports, and reconciliation of accounts, to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial information. Prepares timely required reports and statements for the Head of Office, the supervisor, the Regional Office and HQ. Monitors closely and processes timely reconciling items.
– Manages Finance related module of Proms and payroll module of PnP, or any newly established system such as VISION, provides training and orientation to staff on its use and coordinates with ICT Unit on technical adjustments, problems or bugs to meet local conditions. Supervises timely maintenance of computerized accounting and finance system.
– Controls petty cash fund, or other cash accounts, disbursements, recording and accounting. Ensures the safekeeping of cash and cheques.
– Reviews budget expenditures by codes against approved allotments, and verifies compliance with reports received from HQs (various cubes). Monitors closely external expenditures, processes and posts them; processes timely any required adjustment and clears un-posted items in the module of the Voucher Correction Utility (VCU).
– Prepares and analyzes financial data for budget estimates and financial planning.
– Briefs the staff on the application and interpretation of UN/UNICEF accounting and financial rules, regulations, procedures and policies.
– Verifies completeness and accuracy of cash transfers justification documents submitted by implementing partners, participates in the identification and implementation of assurance activities, conducts periodic on-site verification of implementing partners financial records.
– Undertakes visits to sub-offices to provide accounting and finance training and support, establishes and/or reviews systems and procedures for compliance with the rules and regulations, and prepares reports and recommendations.
– Liaises with other sections and units to provide accounting and finance training and support, establishes and/or reviews systems and procedures for compliance with the rules and regulations, and prepares reports and recommendations.
– Performs any other duties on request and when required.
III. QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
Education
University degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
Experience
Minimum Two years, preferably five years of professional work experience, including progressively responsible work in finance management and accounting. Experience in an international organization desirable.
Be familiar with UNICEF/UN Accounting and Finance Policies, Rules and Regulations.
Language(s)
Fluency in French and good working knowledge of English is required.
Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.
Other Competencies
Cove Values
Commitment ; diversity and Inclusion ; Integrity
Core Competencies
Communication; Drive for Result; Working With People
Functional Competencies
Analyzing; Applying Technical Expertise; Planning and Organizing;Following Instructions and Procedures
Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
IV.APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
The application letter, together with a detailed CV, and a completed UN Personal History Form P11 (available on UNICEF’s website: (https://www.malipages.comwww.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc) should be sent by mail to Mali_Recruitment@unicef.org
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
UNICEF is a non smoking environment.
Applications from qualified female candidates are encouraged.